exact

[ig-zakt]

adjective

1. strictly accurate or correct.

   an exact likeness; an exact description.

   Antonyms: imprecise

2. precise, as opposed to approximate.

   the exact sum; the exact date.

   Antonyms: imprecise

3. admitting of no deviation, as laws or discipline; strict or rigorous.

   Synonyms: unbending, severe, rigid

4. capable of the greatest precision.

   exact instruments.

5. characterized by or using strict accuracy.

   an exact thinker.

   Synonyms: scrupulous, demanding, punctilious, careful, methodical

6. Mathematics.,  (of a differential equation) noting that the collection of all terms, equated to zero, is an exact differential.

verb (used with object)

1. to call for, demand, or require.

   to exact respect from one's children.

2. to force or compel the payment, yielding, or performance of.

   to exact money; to exact tribute from a conquered people.

   Synonyms: wring

exact

/ ɪɡˈzækt /

adjective

1. correct in every detail; strictly accurate

   an exact copy

2. precise, as opposed to approximate; neither more nor less

   the exact sum

3. (prenominal) specific; particular

   this exact spot

4. operating with very great precision

   exact instruments

5. allowing no deviation from a standard; rigorous; strict

   an exact mind

6. based mainly on measurement and the formulation of laws, as opposed to description and classification

   physics is an exact science

verb

1. to force or compel (payment or performance); extort

   to exact tribute

2. to demand as a right; insist upon

   to exact respect from one's employees

3. to call for or require

   this work exacts careful effort

Other Word Forms

• exactable adjective
• exactness noun
• exactor noun
• exacter noun
• nonexactable adjective
• preexact adjective
• quasi-exact adjective
• quasi-exactly adverb
• unexacted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of exact¹

First recorded in 1525–45; late Middle English exacten (verb), from Latin exāctus (past participle of exigere “drive out, thrust out”), equivalent to ex- ex- ¹ + ag(ere) “to drive” + -tus past participle suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of exact¹

C16: from Latin exactus driven out, from exigere to drive forth, from agere to drive

Synonym Study

See extract.

Example Sentences

The exact size of its stake couldn’t be learned.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Williams said those irrigation methods worked in concert with nature, the exact opposite of how Los Angeles has drilled wells to extract water that Mother Earth accumulated over centuries in her “womb.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It’s the exact subject matter everyone tells you not to write about.

Read more on Salon

Despite Humphrey’s romantic pronouncements, their union — the exact nature of which remains unclear — lasted less than a week.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Chris and his guest, Idlewild guitarist Rod Jones, both got five correct results including one exact score from the 10 games played in week seven, giving them 80 points apiece.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• accurate 
• correct 
• definite 
• explicit 
• identical 
• literal 
• perfect 
• rigorous 
• specific 
• true