Precision
prɪˈsɪʒən
Definitions
The quality of being exact, accurate, and careful.
prɪˈsɪʒən
The quality, condition, or fact of being exact and accurate.
The surgeon operated with great precision.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to hit the bullseye on a dartboard. Precision means you're really good at hitting the exact spot you're aiming for, every time. Like when you measure something and get the right answer, no guesswork!
👶 For kids: When you do something *exactly* right, like drawing a perfect circle or putting a puzzle together just so, that's precision!
More Examples
The measurements lacked the precision necessary for the experiment.
The watch is renowned for its precision.
How It's Used
"The scientist emphasized the need for precision in their measurements."
"The machinery requires precision to function correctly."
"Precision bombing targets specific locations."
Idioms & expressions
precision strike
A military attack or action designed to target a specific object or location with minimal collateral damage.
"The military launched a precision strike against the enemy headquarters."
with precision
In a very accurate, exact, and careful way.
"The mechanic described the problem with precision."
From Latin *praecisio* ('a cutting off, a confining'), from *praecidere* ('to cut off, to curtail'), from *prae-* ('before') + *caedere* ('to cut').
The word precision has been used since the 16th century, initially in legal contexts to refer to a strict definition or clarity of language.
Memory tip
Think of a surgeon's scalpel: it requires great precision to make a clean incision.