Exact

/ɪɡˈzækt/

adjectivemedium🔥Very CommonDescriptive
2 meanings2 idioms/phrases3 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

Precisely conforming to a fact, standard, or rule; accurate.

/ɪɡˈzækt/

adjectiveneutralmedium
Descriptive

Precise and accurate

The exact time of the meeting is 2 PM.

💡 Simply: When something is exact, it's just right! Like, the exact amount of sugar for your cookies or the exact time you're supposed to meet a friend.

👶 For kids: When something is exact, it's just right, not too much or too little.

More Examples

2

She gave an exact description of the suspect.

3

Please provide the exact measurement.

How It's Used

Mathematics

"The exact solution to the equation is x = 5."

Finance

"Please provide the exact figures for the budget."

2

To demand and obtain (something, such as payment or a penalty) from someone or something.

/ɪɡˈzækt/

verbneutralAdvanced
Action

To demand and obtain (something) from someone.

The company exacted high fees from its customers.

💡 Simply: Imagine a bully demanding your lunch money. To exact something is to force someone to give you something.

👶 For kids: To make someone give you something.

More Examples

2

The conqueror exacted a toll from the villagers.

3

He exacted revenge for the insult.

How It's Used

Legal

"The authorities exacted a heavy fine for the violation."

Historical

"The king exacted tribute from the conquered territories."

Tip:Think of 'eX' acting, demanding a 'X' amount. You are the exact-or!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Idioms & expressions

the exact opposite

Something that is completely different from something else.

"The exact opposite of what he said happened."

exact change

The correct amount of money, without the need for a return of change.

"Do you have exact change for the bus?"

From Latin *exactus* meaning "precise, accurate", the past participle of *exigere* ("to drive out, complete, ascertain").

Used since the 14th century, initially with meanings related to precision and precision in measurement and then extended to demand and payment

Memory tip

Think of an X that marks the spot - it's the EXACT location!

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"precise, accurate"

exact timeexact locationexact amountexact changeexact figuresexact opposite

Common misspellings

exzactexsact

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written