precise

[ pri-sahys ]

adjective

1. definitely or strictly stated, defined, or fixed:

   precise directions.

   Synonyms: explicit

   Antonyms: vague, indefinite

2. being exactly that and neither more nor less:

   a precise temperature;

   a precise amount.

3. being just that and no other:

   the precise dress she had wanted.

4. definite or exact in statement, as a person.
5. carefully distinct:

   precise articulation.

6. exact in measuring, recording, etc.:

   a precise instrument.

7. excessively or rigidly particular:

   precise observance of regulations;

   precise grooming.

precise

/ prɪˈsaɪs /

adjective

1. strictly correct in amount or value

   a precise sum

2. designating a certain thing and no other; particular

   this precise location

3. using or operating with total accuracy

   precise instruments

4. strict in observance of rules, standards, etc

   a precise mind

Derived Forms

• preˈciseness, noun

Other Words From

• pre·cisely adverb
• pre·ciseness noun
• over·pre·cise adjective
• over·pre·cisely adverb
• over·pre·ciseness noun
• super·pre·cise adjective
• super·pre·cisely adverb
• super·pre·ciseness noun
• ultra·pre·cise adjective
• unpre·cise adjective
• unpre·cisely adverb
• unpre·ciseness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of precise¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin praecīsus “curtailed, brief,” originally past participle of praecīdere “to cut off, cut short,” equivalent to prae- pre- + -cīdere, combining form of caedere “to cut”

Word History and Origins

Origin of precise¹

C16: from French précis, from Latin praecīdere to curtail, from prae before + caedere to cut

Synonym Study

See correct.

Example Sentences

The color palette, moving from dark to light and back again, charts a precise course into lyrical bleakness.

From Los Angeles Times

Some highly aggressive tumors produce large amounts of USP39 and related splicing factors, likely due to their high division rate: To maintain constant protein production, they require highly precise splicing, a function that USP39 provides.

From Science Daily

This discovery could lead to more precise medical treatments for Alzheimer's disease and other cognitive disorders by allowing them to target pathway-specific neural circuits.

From Science Daily

Importantly, the magnetic interactions produced within these more open structures are weaker than they might otherwise be, giving scientists more scope to tune their precise behaviours.

From Science Daily

Any snow would therefore depend greatly on the precise track of the low pressure, the heaviness of the precipitation and the elevation of the land.

From BBC

Related Words

• accurate
• actual
• clear-cut
• correct
• decisive
• definite
• exact
• explicit
• literal
• narrow
• particular
• proper
• rigid
• rigorous
• specific
• strict