Precise
/prɪˈsaɪs/
Definitions
2 meaningsExact; clearly and sharply defined or stated; accurate.
/prɪˈsaɪs/
Exact and accurate in detail
The instructions were precise and easy to follow.
💡 Simply: Think of it like this: if you're following a recipe with super careful steps and amounts, that's using precise instructions. It means being right on the mark!
👶 For kids: When something is precise, it means it's super accurate and correct, like when you draw a perfect circle.
More Examples
The map provided a precise location of the hidden treasure.
He gave a precise description of the suspect.
How It's Used
"The scientist made a precise measurement of the liquid's volume."
"The contract contained precise terms and conditions."
"She provided precise instructions for baking the cake."
Marked by or disposed to careful and meticulous detail
/prɪˈsaɪs/
Characterized by clear articulation or enunciation
The actor's precise diction made the dialogue easy to understand.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone speaking so clearly that you understand every single word. That person is being precise in how they talk.
👶 For kids: If someone speaks precisely, they are speaking so everyone can hear what is being said clearly.
More Examples
She has a precise way of speaking, never slurring her words.
The news anchor gave a precise delivery of the story.
How It's Used
"She had a precise way of speaking, enunciating each syllable clearly."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
at the precise moment
Exactly at the time stated or specified
"At the precise moment the clock struck midnight, the fireworks began."
From Latin *praecisus*, past participle of *praecidere* 'to cut off, shorten,' from *prae-* 'before' + *caedere* 'to cut.' Originally referring to something 'cut off' or 'exact in detail'.
Used from the 15th century, it originally referred to being 'cut off' or 'curtailed', and gradually evolved to mean exact and accurate.
Memory tip
Imagine a surgeon making a PRECISE incision – very exact and controlled.
Word Origin
"to cut off"