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

Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp told MPs it came as "no surprise" that Labour was doing "the precise opposite of what they promised in their manifesto".

From BBC

A new theory, that explains how light and matter interact at the quantum level has enabled researchers to define for the first time the precise shape of a single photon.

From Science Daily

"By looking at a longer time period, and using photos to track diet and nutrition, we're able to get a much richer and more precise picture of what people actually ate."

From Science Daily

By enabling a more precise analysis of human cells, this new system will provide an alternative to animal models often used for the study of skin biology and disease.

From Science Daily

“Submarine,” the band’s 2024 LP, documented an intra-band breakup with poise and panache, and featured some of the group’s most precise writing and ambitious production yet.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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