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

Experts say content creators must stay accurate, especially with oral histories that can lose detail over time.

From BBC

He told the Radio Times in 2011 that he would often stay up until sunrise after working overnight, to make sure his weather reports were accurate.

From BBC

The Pershing County sheriff’s office declined to comment on the manner in which Kruglov was killed or say whether the friend’s post was accurate.

From Los Angeles Times

Lossless works by capturing the recording’s original sound waves and putting them together to create an accurate reproduction of its initial quality.

From Los Angeles Times

Jones denied making fraudulent claims and testified she did "not keep an accurate record of all journeys she made".

From BBC

Related Words

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