imprecise
/,impri'sais/
Definition
- Adjective:
- Not exact, accurate, or clearly defined: Describing something that lacks precision, exactness, or sharp definition. It indicates a quality of being vague, approximate, or containing a margin of error.
Usage
The adjective "imprecise" is used to describe statements, measurements, language, calculations, or concepts that are not exact or strictly accurate. It often implies a lack of careful detail or the presence of ambiguity.
Examples
- Adjective:
- The witness gave an imprecise description of the suspect.
- The map's scale is too imprecise for detailed hiking.
- Her instructions were imprecise, leading to confusion.
Advanced Usage
"Imprecise" vs. "Inaccurate": While both indicate a lack of correctness, "imprecise" often focuses on a lack of detail, sharpness, or specificity (e.g., a blurry photo, a vague estimate). "Inaccurate" more directly states that something is factually wrong or incorrect.
- The imprecise measurement could be anywhere from 5 to 7 centimeters. (It lacks exactness)
- The inaccurate measurement stated 10 centimeters for an object that is actually 15. (It is factually wrong)
In Academic/Scientific Contexts: Used to critique methodologies, data, or terminology that are not sufficiently rigorous or well-defined.
- The study's conclusions are drawn from imprecise data collection methods.
Variants and Related Words
- Imprecision (n): The quality or state of being imprecise.
- The imprecision of the data makes it unreliable for our model.
Synonyms
- Vague: Not clearly expressed or defined.
- Approximate: Close to the actual, but not completely accurate or exact.
- Inexact: Not strictly accurate or precise.
- Loose: Not tightly or strictly defined or controlled.
- Fuzzy: Indistinct or lacking clarity.
Antonyms
- Precise: Marked by exactness and accuracy of expression or detail.
- Exact: Accurate and correct in all details.
- Definite: Clearly stated or decided; not vague.
- Specific: Clearly defined or identified.
Adjective
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not precise
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imprecise astronomical observations
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the terms he used were imprecise and emotional
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