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

Indeed, the IDF is capable of extremely precise strikes.

From Salon

I don’t know the precise deal they cut.

From Los Angeles Times

Israel has previously said that it targets Hamas and takes steps to mitigate risk to civilians by using precise munitions.

From BBC

Israel has in the past said it targets Hamas and takes steps to mitigate risk to civilians by using precise munitions.

From BBC

Nope, he said in a precise German accent, he was a resident.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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