Precisely
/prɪˈsaɪsli/
Definitions
2 meaningsIn a precise manner; exactly.
/prɪˈsaɪsli/
With exactness or accuracy.
The instructions must be followed precisely.
💡 Simply: When you do something exactly right, or to the exact degree, that's doing it precisely. Like, if your recipe says "precisely 1 cup of flour," that means, no more, no less.
👶 For kids: Doing something in a super-duper exact way, like when you measure things just right!
More Examples
The measurements should be taken precisely.
She knew precisely what to do.
How It's Used
"The experiment must be conducted precisely to ensure accurate results."
"The lawyer quoted the statute precisely to support his argument."
"The formula, when applied precisely, will yield the desired answer."
Used to emphasize the accuracy or correctness of a statement.
/prɪˈsaɪsli/
That is precisely the point I was trying to make.
💡 Simply: Using 'precisely' to say, 'Yes, that's exactly it!' or to underline the fact that what you're saying is spot-on.
👶 For kids: When you say, 'Yes, exactly!' or 'That's right!'
More Examples
The answer is precisely what the teacher was looking for.
It was precisely as he had described it.
How It's Used
"That is precisely what I wanted to say!"
"The report's findings, precisely stated, revealed a trend."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
precisely speaking
To be exact or accurate in what one is saying.
"Precisely speaking, the project is behind schedule by two weeks."
to be precise
Used to provide more accurate or detailed information.
"The journey took five hours, or to be precise, five hours and twenty minutes."
From Middle French *précisément* (precisely), from *précis* (precise) + *-ment* (adverbial suffix). The word's development reflects the increasing emphasis on accuracy and detail in language and thought from the 16th century onwards.
The word 'precisely' appears in English texts as early as the late 14th century, reflecting an increase in emphasis on accuracy and detail in language and thought.
Memory tip
Think of a surgeon performing an operation; they must work precisely.
Word Origin
"exact, careful"