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

The goal is to create a literary anatomy of the last century—or, to be precise, from 1900 to 2014.

From The Daily Beast

I spent half an hour measuring all around the president to get the 27 precise measurements I needed to craft a true custom suit.

From The Daily Beast

I thought he was very intelligent, very gentle, soft-spoken, precise.

From The Daily Beast

There is also striking lack of agreement among doctors about the precise definition of intersex.

From The Daily Beast

Precise numbers are hard to come by, but reports indicate that the attacks killed hundreds of people, including children.

From The Daily Beast

This again is inexact, since there are no precise figures of population that cover the period.

From Project Gutenberg

Suppose there was always something to do, what avails that to millions who know not how to do that precise something?

From Project Gutenberg

In the whole of anatomy there is no task so difficult as that of learning the precise attachments of the muscles of the back.

From Project Gutenberg

Organisation ensues, and the general conceptions of state-deities and state-ritual are made more definite and precise.

From Project Gutenberg

From these instruments have come all those precise examinations on which the accuracy of modern science intimately depends.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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