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

• accurately adverb
• accurateness noun
• 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

The observation record, which says at 14:45 she was in her bedspace, was described by the coroner as "not accurate".

Read more on BBC

This advancement could help close a significant health gap by providing accurate and personalized blood pressure results for people who have been excluded from standard monitoring.

Read more on Science Daily

Perhaps Ms. Welch’s survey is accurate but her conclusions off base.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

BMI calculates body fat by comparing weight to height, but it doesn't always paint an accurate picture.

Read more on Science Daily

First of all, I'm not sure the question has an entirely accurate premise.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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