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’s also possible that an LLM is given instructions not to be entirely accurate and neutral.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 24, 2026
Zillow’s consumer appeal “depends to some degree on providing timely access to comprehensive and accurate real estate listings, listing media, and information,” the SEC filing says.
From Barron's • May 21, 2026
"The information we receive from the public is vital and every report matters. Without it, we are unable to build an accurate picture, identify patterns of offending and take the most effective action."
From BBC • May 20, 2026
"The prediction combines electromagnetic, weak and strong forces, that each require vastly different theoretical tools, into a single calculation that's accurate to parts per billion," Fodor said.
From Science Daily • May 19, 2026
Alas, the memory of how the three Incorrigibles had behaved—or, to be accurate, failed to behave— at Lady Constance’s holiday ball was all too fresh in Penelope’s mind.
From "The Hidden Gallery" 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.
