Definition

Noun: 1. The quality, condition, or fact of being exact, accurate, and meticulous: This refers to the state of being very correct and free from error, often involving careful attention to detail. 2. The degree to which repeated measurements or calculations show the same or very similar results (reproducibility): In technical and scientific contexts, this refers to the consistency of results, distinct from accuracy which refers to closeness to a true value.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The surgeon performed the operation with great precision. (The surgeon was very exact and meticulous.)
  • The precision of the laboratory instruments is critical for the experiment. (The exactness and consistency of the instruments are critical.)
  • He adjusted the machine to a high level of precision. (He adjusted it to be very exact and consistent.)

Advanced Usage

• "With surgical precision": Doing something with extreme accuracy and meticulous care.
  • The lawyer dissected the argument with surgical precision.
• "Precision engineering": The design and construction of devices and systems to operate within very tight tolerances and specifications.
  • The watch is a masterpiece of precision engineering.
• In statistics and measurement, precision is formally distinguished from accuracy. Precision refers to the closeness of measurements to each other (reproducibility), while accuracy refers to their closeness to a true or target value.

Variants and Related Words

• Precise (adj): Marked by exactness and accuracy of expression or detail.
  • She gave me precise instructions.
• Preciseness (n): The quality of being precise; exactness. (Often used interchangeably with , though sometimes considered slightly more formal.)
  • The preciseness of his language left no room for misunderstanding.

Synonyms

• Exactness: The quality of being very accurate and correct in all details.
• Accuracy: The quality or state of being correct or precise. (Note the technical distinction mentioned above.)
• Meticulousness: Showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise.

Antonyms

• Imprecision: Lack of exactness or accuracy.
• Inaccuracy: The quality of being not accurate.
• Vagueness: Lack of definiteness or clarity.

Related Phrases

• Precision instrument/tool: A device designed for very accurate measurement or work.
  • A micrometer is a precision instrument.
• To a precision of...: Used to specify the exact degree of exactness.
  • The part was machined to a precision of one thousandth of an inch.

Noun

1. the quality of being reproducible in amount or performance
   • he handled it with the preciseness of an automaton
   • note the meticulous precision of his measurements