Definition

1. Adverb:
   • In an exact and accurate manner; without vagueness or error: Used to indicate that something is done, described, or understood with complete correctness and attention to detail.
   • Exactly; just: Used for emphasis to confirm that something is completely true or correct, often in agreement or to specify an exact point in time, space, or quantity.
   • Used to express emphatic agreement: In conversation, used to confirm a statement as completely accurate.

Usage Examples

• Adverb (indicating exact manner):
  • The instructions were written precisely. (The instructions were written in a very exact and clear way.)
  • He measured the ingredients precisely for the experiment. (He measured the ingredients with great accuracy.)
• Adverb (for emphasis or exactness):
  • The meeting will begin precisely at 9 AM. (The meeting will start exactly at 9 AM, not a minute before or after.)
  • That is precisely what I meant. (That is exactly the meaning I intended to convey.)
• Adverb (expressing agreement):
  • "So, you think the plan is too risky?" "Precisely." (This is a direct and emphatic way of saying "Yes, that is exactly what I think.")

Advanced Usage

• "More precisely": Used to introduce a correction or a more accurate description.
  • The event is in July, or more precisely, on July 15th.
• "Not precisely": A polite or understated way to say "not exactly" or to indicate a slight disagreement or inaccuracy.
  • "Are you happy with the result?" "Not precisely, but it's acceptable."

Variants and Related Words

• Precise (adjective): Marked by exactness and accuracy of expression or detail.
  • She gave precise directions to the house.
• Precision (noun): The quality, condition, or fact of being exact and accurate.
  • The watchmaker worked with great precision.

Synonyms

• Exactly: In an exact manner; accurately.
• Accurately: In a way that is correct in all details; without mistakes.
• Just: Exactly; precisely (often used with time or position).

Antonyms

• Approximately: Used to show that something is almost, but not completely, accurate or exact.
• Vaguely: In a way that is uncertain, indefinite, or unclear.

Related Phrases

• To be precise: Used to give exact details about something that has just been mentioned.
  • We need more people—three, to be precise.
• At precisely the same moment: Emphasizes that two events happened at exactly the same time.
  • The two clocks stopped at precisely the same moment.

Adverb

1. just as it should be
   • `Precisely, my lord,' he said
2. in a precise manner
   • she always expressed herself precisely
3. indicating exactness or preciseness
   • he was doing precisely (or exactly) what she had told him to do
   • it was just as he said--the jewel was gone
   • it has just enough salt