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

Other Word Forms

• accurateness noun
• accurately adverb
• hyperaccurate adjective
• hyperaccurateness noun
• superaccurate adjective
• superaccurateness noun
• unaccurate adjective
• unaccurateness 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

A decision to provide highly accurate Tomahawk missiles would be a major escalation in U.S. assistance.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

This results in more useful and accurate results.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Instead, physicists often turn to what's known as semiclassical physics -- a middle-ground approach that keeps just enough quantum behavior to stay accurate, while discarding details that have little effect on the outcome.

Read more on Science Daily

While not historically accurate, as apartheid in its legal form was introduced decades after Kruger's death, the rhetoric reflects the way he is viewed by some.

Read more on BBC

The consumer price index data is being published to allow the Social Security Administration to meet its statutory deadlines "to ensure the accurate and timely payment of benefits," the BLS said Friday in a statement.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

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