imprecise

/,impri'sais/

Thân thiện

The astronomer's imprecise measurements led to a blurry star chart.

Definition

1. 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.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. not precise
   • imprecise astronomical observations
   • the terms he used were imprecise and emotional