precisely
Britishadverb
Explanation
The adverb precisely describes something done with complete accuracy or perfection. When you speak precisely, you pronounce each word completely and clearly — and you say exactly what you mean. Something that's done precisely is done with great care, the way you'd set the table according to your grandmother's demands, precisely following her instructions about where knives and forks should go. You can also use precisely to tell about an exact time, like meeting a friend under the big clock at precisely 12:30. On its own, precisely can substitute for yes or exactly.
Vocabulary lists containing precisely
"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, Chapters 20–25
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Words to Know Before You Defrost the Bird
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Vocabulary from "Community is the 'killer app' missing from virtual reality" by Dmitri Williams
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"And those are precisely the criteria where we realise we can't really get to know the person," he continued.
From BBC ● Jul. 27, 2026
The final twist is one of the bleakest endings in postwar fiction, precisely because it exposes survival itself as a kind of illusion.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 22, 2026
Forward Alyssa Thomas dominated with 19 points, 11 rebounds and 15 assists, while guard Kahleah Copper poured in 21 points to lead the Mercury precisely, as Sparks coach Lynne Roberts expected pregame.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 22, 2026
The suspected culprit behind this loss is precisely what most would guess – warming seas, melting arctic ice and a decrease in prey availability.
From Salon ● Jul. 22, 2026
“I have thought of that as well,” Penelope replied, for this is precisely what had made her say “Eureka!” earlier.
From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
