Exactly
/ɪɡˈzæktli/
Definitions
2 meaningsIn a precise and accurate way; completely.
/ɪɡˈzæktli/
In a precise or accurate manner.
The meeting started exactly at 2 PM.
💡 Simply: It means doing something perfectly or completely. Like, if you draw a circle, you might say 'exactly' when it's perfectly round.
👶 For kids: It means 'just right' or 'perfect'. Like when you get the answer to a puzzle spot on!
More Examples
She knew exactly how to solve the problem.
The measurements were exactly correct.
That's exactly what I meant!
How It's Used
"The package arrived exactly at noon."
"The result is exactly what we predicted."
"That's exactly what I wanted!"
Used to express agreement or confirmation.
/ɪɡˈzæktli/
Used to emphasize agreement.
"The food is delicious." "Exactly!"
💡 Simply: You say 'exactly' when you totally agree with someone. Like if they say 'The sky is blue' and you say 'exactly!'
👶 For kids: It means you agree! Like when someone says, 'That's a fun game,' and you say 'Exactly!'
More Examples
"We should go now." "Exactly!"
"That's the problem." "Exactly!"
"You're right." "Exactly!"
How It's Used
"I think we should leave now." "Exactly!""
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
exactly the same
Identical.
"These two items are exactly the same."
exactly what
Precisely the thing that.
"This is exactly what I was looking for."
From Middle English "exactly", derived from Old French "exacter" (to carry out, execute), and ultimately from Latin "exactus", the past participle of "exigere" (to drive out, complete).
Used since Middle English, often in contexts of precision and conformity to a standard.
Memory tip
Think of a clock ticking precisely, or a mathematical calculation with no error.