precisely

British  

/ prɪˈsaɪslɪ /

adverb

1. in a precise manner

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1. exactly: used to confirm a statement by someone else

Explanation

The adverb precisely describes something done with complete accuracy or perfection. When you speak precisely, you pronounce each word completely and clearly — and you say exactly what you mean. Something that's done precisely is done with great care, the way you'd set the table according to your grandmother's demands, precisely following her instructions about where knives and forks should go. You can also use precisely to tell about an exact time, like meeting a friend under the big clock at precisely 12:30. On its own, precisely can substitute for yes or exactly.

Example Sentences

To crack down on GRATs, for instance, the legislation would need to more precisely identify which practices are most problematic, “instead of increasing the cost of a legitimate investment vehicle,” McBride says.

From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026

The resolution stops short of suggesting precisely what those limits should be.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

It is not clear precisely how the shopping price cap would be enforced, though the manifesto says it would be introduced as a public health measure, similar to the minimum unit price of alcohol.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

But in games, the art lies precisely in how much pleasure is generated for the player.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

It was precisely the moment he had told his investors, back in the summer of 2005, that they only needed to wait for.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis

Related Words

• absolutely
• accurately
• as well
• correctly
• literally
• specifically
• squarely
• strictly