accurate

[ ak-yer-it ]

adjective

1. free from error or defect; consistent with a standard, rule, or model; precise; exact.

   Synonyms: unerring, true

2. careful or meticulous:

   I need a really accurate proofreader to check this paper before I submit it to the journal.

accurate

/ ˈækjərɪt /

adjective

1. faithfully representing or describing the truth
2. showing a negligible or permissible deviation from a standard

   an accurate ruler

3. without error; precise; meticulous
4. maths
   1. (to n significant digits) representing the first n digits of the given number starting with the first nonzero digit, but approximating to the nearest digit in the final position

      since π = 3.14159…, the approximation 3.1416 is accurate to 5 significant digits.

   2. (to n decimal places) giving the first n digits after the decimal point without further approximation

      π = 3.1415 is in this sense accurate to 4 decimal places

Derived Forms

• ˈaccurateness, noun
• ˈaccurately, adverb

Other Words From

• ac·cu·rate·ly adverb
• ac·cu·rate·ness noun
• hy·per·ac·cu·rate adjective
• hy·per·ac·cu·rate·ness noun
• su·per·ac·cu·rate adjective
• su·per·ac·cu·rate·ness noun
• un·ac·cu·rate adjective
• un·ac·cu·rate·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of accurate¹

First recorded in 1605–15; from Latin accūrātus “carefully prepared” (past participle of accūrāre ), equivalent to ac- ac- + cūr(a) “care” + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of accurate¹

C16: from Latin accūrātus, past participle of accūrāre to perform with care, from cūra care

Synonym Study

See correct.

Example Sentences

I have it on good authority these quotes are 100 percent accurate, if not 100 percent verbatim.

From The Daily Beast

Even if you look at that in the most favorable light possible, it was not accurate.

From The Daily Beast

Of course, a more flexible interpretation is just as accurate.

From The Daily Beast

Music and live shows, she says, allow people to talk about the product as art instead of an accurate representation of reality.

From The Daily Beast

If this were accurate, it would mean that the Wilson stopped Brown over a minor offense, not a felony.

From The Daily Beast

Results are easily and quickly obtained, and are probably accurate enough for all clinical purposes.

From Project Gutenberg

For accurate work the best instruments are the von Fleischl-Miescher and the Dare.

From Project Gutenberg

The broad-beamed budgerow presented a strangely accurate microcosm of India at that moment.

From Project Gutenberg

For more accurate work the following methods, applicable to either human or cow's milk, are simple and satisfactory.

From Project Gutenberg

And if Gwynne had not revisited San Francisco he had a very accurate idea of its present conditions.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• authentic
• careful
• correct
• definite
• detailed
• exact
• factual
• meticulous
• proper
• rigorous
• scientific
• skillful
• solid
• specific
• strict
• systematic
• true