adjective
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faithfully representing or describing the truth
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showing a negligible or permissible deviation from a standard
an accurate ruler
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without error; precise; meticulous
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maths
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(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.
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(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
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Related Words
See correct.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of accurate
First recorded in 1605–15; from Latin accūrātus “carefully prepared” (past participle of accūrāre ), equivalent to ac- ac- + cūr(a) “care” + -ātus -ate 1
Explanation
Something that is accurate is exact and true. It's important to be accurate in the kitchen with your measurements and in the courtroom with your testimony. The adjective accurate comes from the Latin roots ad curare, meaning "to take care," and that is precisely what you do when you make sure something is accurate. You take care to make sure it is perfectly correct: an accurate answer, an accurate headcount, an accurate assessment of the problem. By adding the Latin root in, meaning not, you can make the antonym inaccurate (not accurate).
Vocabulary lists containing accurate
Academic Vocabulary Toolkit 1, Words 1-10
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Academic Vocabulary: Core Tier 2 Words, List 1
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List 3
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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.
“It is important to note that the DOJ did not take a position on whether the plaintiffs’ factual claims are accurate or supported.”
From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026
It claimed to “be more careful to give accurate, safe, non-alarmist information when questions touch on symptoms, medications, nutrition, or recovery.”
From Slate • May 6, 2026
Improving surveillance systems is a key priority, along with developing faster and more accurate diagnostic tools.
From Science Daily • May 2, 2026
Botstein “minimized and was not fully accurate in describing his relationship with Epstein,” according to a memo prepared by law firm WilmerHale, which was hired by Bard’s board.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 2, 2026
The way I had imagined the search effort was accurate, but each article had a small detail that grounded the incident, yet made it seem impossible that I had experienced the same accident.
From "The Line Tender" by Kate Allen
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.
