precise

[pri-sahys]

adjective

1. definitely or strictly stated, defined, or fixed.

   precise directions.

   Synonyms: explicit
   Antonyms: vague, indefinite

2. being exactly that and neither more nor less.

   a precise temperature;

   a precise amount.

3. being just that and no other.

   the precise dress she had wanted.

4. definite or exact in statement, as a person.

5. carefully distinct.

   precise articulation.

6. exact in measuring, recording, etc..

   a precise instrument.

7. excessively or rigidly particular.

   precise observance of regulations;

   precise grooming.

precise

/ prɪˈsaɪs /

adjective

1. strictly correct in amount or value

   a precise sum

2. designating a certain thing and no other; particular

   this precise location

3. using or operating with total accuracy

   precise instruments

4. strict in observance of rules, standards, etc

   a precise mind

Other Word Forms

• preciseness noun
• precisely adverb
• overprecise adjective
• overprecisely adverb
• overpreciseness noun
• superprecise adjective
• superprecisely adverb
• superpreciseness noun
• ultraprecise adjective
• unprecise adjective
• unprecisely adverb
• unpreciseness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of precise¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin praecīsus “curtailed, brief,” originally past participle of praecīdere “to cut off, cut short,” equivalent to prae- pre- + -cīdere, combining form of caedere “to cut”

Word History and Origins

Origin of precise¹

C16: from French précis, from Latin praecīdere to curtail, from prae before + caedere to cut

Synonym Study

See correct.

Related Words

• accurate 
• actual 
• clear-cut 
• correct 
• decisive 
• definite 
• exact 
• explicit 
• literal 
• narrow 
• particular 
• proper 
• rigid 
• rigorous 
• specific 
• strict