exact

[ig-zakt]

adjective

1. strictly accurate or correct.

   an exact likeness; an exact description.

   Antonyms: imprecise

2. precise, as opposed to approximate.

   the exact sum; the exact date.

   Antonyms: imprecise

3. admitting of no deviation, as laws or discipline; strict or rigorous.

   Synonyms: unbending, severe, rigid

4. capable of the greatest precision.

   exact instruments.

5. characterized by or using strict accuracy.

   an exact thinker.

   Synonyms: scrupulous, demanding, punctilious, careful, methodical

6. Mathematics.,  (of a differential equation) noting that the collection of all terms, equated to zero, is an exact differential.

verb (used with object)

1. to call for, demand, or require.

   to exact respect from one's children.

2. to force or compel the payment, yielding, or performance of.

   to exact money; to exact tribute from a conquered people.

   Synonyms: wring

exact

/ ɪɡˈzækt /

adjective

1. correct in every detail; strictly accurate

   an exact copy

2. precise, as opposed to approximate; neither more nor less

   the exact sum

3. (prenominal) specific; particular

   this exact spot

4. operating with very great precision

   exact instruments

5. allowing no deviation from a standard; rigorous; strict

   an exact mind

6. based mainly on measurement and the formulation of laws, as opposed to description and classification

   physics is an exact science

verb

1. to force or compel (payment or performance); extort

   to exact tribute

2. to demand as a right; insist upon

   to exact respect from one's employees

3. to call for or require

   this work exacts careful effort

Other Word Forms

• exactable adjective
• exacter noun
• exactor noun
• exactness noun
• nonexactable adjective
• preexact adjective
• quasi-exact adjective
• quasi-exactly adverb
• unexacted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of exact¹

First recorded in 1525–45; late Middle English exacten (verb), from Latin exāctus (past participle of exigere “drive out, thrust out”), equivalent to ex- ex- ¹ + ag(ere) “to drive” + -tus past participle suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of exact¹

C16: from Latin exactus driven out, from exigere to drive forth, from agere to drive

Synonym Study

See extract.

Example Sentences

It may be contentious, but it is also the action of someone increasingly comfortable in his own skin in this exacting job.

Read more on BBC

This includes the exact withdrawal lines for Israeli troops and a list of Palestinian prisoners to be freed in exchange for Israeli hostages, according to people familiar with the talks.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

In naked mole rats though, the researchers found that the exact same protein does the opposite.

Read more on BBC

I’m not sure the issue is really about the exact size of your partner’s paycheck.

Read more on MarketWatch

The problem, it turns out, is that the exact opposite is true—and the numbers bear it out.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• accurate 
• correct 
• definite 
• explicit 
• identical 
• literal 
• perfect 
• rigorous 
• specific 
• true