precise
/pri'sais/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Sharply exact or accurate: Characterized by a high degree of accuracy and exactness, with no margin for error or vagueness.
- Clearly expressed or delineated: Definite and clearly defined, leaving no room for confusion or ambiguity.
- Strictly conforming to a standard, rule, or convention: Meticulous and careful in observance of details or formalities.
Usage and Examples
- As an adjective:
- The scientist took precise measurements for the experiment. (The measurements were extremely accurate and exact.)
- Please give me the precise location of the meeting. (The location is clearly defined and specific.)
- He is very precise in his use of language. (He is meticulous and careful with his word choice.)
Advanced Usage and Nuances
- "to be precise": Used to introduce a more exact or specific statement, often for clarification.
- The event starts at eight o'clock—to be precise, at 8:03 PM.
- In technical/scientific contexts: Often describes instruments, methods, or data that are highly accurate and reproducible.
- The results were obtained using precise laboratory equipment.
Variants and Related Words
- Precisely (adverb): In an exact, accurate, or sharply defined manner.
- The instructions were precisely followed.
- Precision (noun): The quality, condition, or fact of being exact and accurate.
- The watchmaker worked with great precision.
- Imprecise (adjective): The direct antonym, meaning not exact, accurate, or clearly defined.
Synonyms
- Exact: Correct in every detail.
- Accurate: Free from error, conforming exactly to truth or a standard.
- Specific: Clearly defined or identified.
- Meticulous: Showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise.
Antonyms
- Vague: Of uncertain or indefinite character or meaning.
- Imprecise: Lacking exactness or accuracy.
- Approximate: Close to the actual, but not completely accurate or exact.
- Inexact: Not strictly accurate or precise.
Idioms and Phrases
- The precise moment: The exact, specific instant.
- He arrived at the precise moment the speech began.
- Precise to a fault: Being so meticulous about details that it can be considered a shortcoming.
- Her instructions were precise to a fault, leaving no room for improvisation.
Adjective
- (of ideas, images, representations, expressions) characterized by perfect conformity to fact or truth; strictly correct
- a precise image
- a precise measurement
- sharply exact or accurate or delimited
- a precise mind
- specified a precise amount
- arrived at the precise moment