accurate

[ ak-yer-it ]

adjective

1. free from error or defect; consistent with a standard, rule, or model; precise; exact.

   Synonyms: unerring, true

2. careful or meticulous:

   I need a really accurate proofreader to check this paper before I submit it to the journal.

accurate

/ ˈækjərɪt /

adjective

1. faithfully representing or describing the truth
2. showing a negligible or permissible deviation from a standard

   an accurate ruler

3. without error; precise; meticulous
4. maths
   1. (to n significant digits) representing the first n digits of the given number starting with the first nonzero digit, but approximating to the nearest digit in the final position

      since π = 3.14159…, the approximation 3.1416 is accurate to 5 significant digits.

   2. (to n decimal places) giving the first n digits after the decimal point without further approximation

      π = 3.1415 is in this sense accurate to 4 decimal places

Derived Forms

• ˈaccurateness, noun
• ˈaccurately, adverb

Other Words From

• ac·cu·rate·ly adverb
• ac·cu·rate·ness noun
• hy·per·ac·cu·rate adjective
• hy·per·ac·cu·rate·ness noun
• su·per·ac·cu·rate adjective
• su·per·ac·cu·rate·ness noun
• un·ac·cu·rate adjective
• un·ac·cu·rate·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of accurate¹

First recorded in 1605–15; from Latin accūrātus “carefully prepared” (past participle of accūrāre ), equivalent to ac- ac- + cūr(a) “care” + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of accurate¹

C16: from Latin accūrātus, past participle of accūrāre to perform with care, from cūra care

Synonym Study

See correct.

Example Sentences

“We get impatient, but I think everyone would agree that at the end of the day, we want things to be accurate,” Tisler said.

From Los Angeles Times

They then used a vacuum pump to concentrate the DNA on a filter, which they tested to confirm that they could extract DNA from the samples and obtain accurate results.

From Science Daily

"Successful detection and monitoring programs for invasive wildlife hinge on rapid detection and accurate identification of nonnative species," said Miller.

From Science Daily

An accurate historical account is an independent value of a free society.

From Los Angeles Times

One strong case for the importance of an accurate historical record of contentious, searing events was offered by the 9/11 Commission.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• authentic
• careful
• correct
• definite
• detailed
• exact
• factual
• meticulous
• proper
• rigorous
• scientific
• skillful
• solid
• specific
• strict
• systematic
• true