precision

American  

[pri-sizh-uhn] / prɪˈsɪʒ ən /

noun

1. the state or quality of being precise.

2. accuracy; exactness.

   to arrive at an estimate with precision.

   Synonyms:

   rigor

3. mechanical or scientific exactness.

   a lens ground with precision.

4. punctiliousness; strictness.

   precision in one's business dealings.

5. Mathematics. the degree to which the correctness of a quantity is expressed.

6. Chemistry, Physics. the extent to which a given set of measurements of the same sample agree with their mean.

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adjective

1. of, relating to, or characterized by precision.

   precision swimming; precision instruments for aircraft.

precision British  

/ prɪˈsɪʒən /

noun

1. the quality of being precise; accuracy

2. (modifier) characterized by or having a high degree of exactness

   precision grinding

   a precision instrument

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Other Word Forms

• overprecision noun
• precisional adjective
• precisionism noun
• precisionist noun
• ultraprecision noun

Etymology

Origin of precision

First recorded in 1630–40; from Latin praecīsiōn-, stem of praecīsiō “cutoff”; equivalent to precise + -ion

Explanation

Use the noun precision to describe something that's exact, such as the work of a carpenter who's made 100 identical pieces of railing for a grand staircase. Precision is similar to perfection in that both words suggest that something could not possibly be better. However, perfection describes something that's flawless, such as a beautiful sunset. Precision, on the other hand, is more about accuracy, like computing the exact second that the perfect sunset will occur.

Example Sentences

This research is presented in a paper titled "The Local Distance Network: A community consensus report on the measurement of the Hubble constant at ∼1% precision" to published in Astronomy & Astrophysics.

From Science Daily • Apr. 12, 2026

While Mangeshkar embodied classical grace and precision, Bhosle brought a bold, dynamic energy to her songs.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

Club chairman Fred Ridley supports rewarding precision over power, and Rory McIlroy views the tougher course as a tactical advantage.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

If asked to picture Janet Jackson, one of three images likely comes to mind: “Rhythm Nation 1814” Janet, a revolutionary in a black uniform and cap, cutting the air with drill sergeant precision.

From Salon • Apr. 11, 2026

He was certain that a shipwreck could be excavated with the same scientific care and precision as archaeologists working on land.

From "Shipwrecked!" by Martin W. Sandler

Related Words

• rigor