precise
[pri-sahys]
- definitely or strictly stated, defined, or fixed: precise directions.
- being exactly that and neither more nor less: a precise temperature; a precise amount.
- being just that and no other: the precise dress she had wanted.
- definite or exact in statement, as a person.
- carefully distinct: precise articulation.
- exact in measuring, recording, etc.: a precise instrument.
- excessively or rigidly particular: precise observance of regulations; precise grooming.
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Origin of precise
1350–1400; Middle English < Latin praecīsus curtailed, brief, orig. past participle of praecīdere to cut off, cut short, equivalent to prae- pre- + -cīsus, combining form of caesus, past participle of caedere to cut
Synonyms
See more synonyms for precise on Thesaurus.com1. explicit.
Synonym study
1. See correct.
Antonyms
1. indefinite, vague.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for precise
Contemporary Examples
The goal is to create a literary anatomy of the last century—or, to be precise, from 1900 to 2014.
I spent half an hour measuring all around the president to get the 27 precise measurements I needed to craft a true custom suit.
I thought he was very intelligent, very gentle, soft-spoken, precise.
All Eyes on Anjelica Huston: The Legendary Actress on Love, Abuse, and Jack NicholsonAlex Suskind
November 10, 2014
There is also striking lack of agreement among doctors about the precise definition of intersex.
Precise numbers are hard to come by, but reports indicate that the attacks killed hundreds of people, including children.
Historical Examples
I cannot recall the precise amount, but it was not so much as what you call one dollar.
The SpendersHarry Leon Wilson
Their precise age and antiquity have been disputed with some acrimony.
The Dramatic Values in PlautusWilton Wallace Blancke
For this complaint there is no precise English name; but, alas!
Tales And Novels, Volume 4 (of 10)Maria Edgeworth
The precise occasion of this offence cannot, and need not, be ascertained.
Female Scripture Biographies, Vol. IFrancis Augustus Cox
What he wanted to know was the precise area of India in square miles.
American NotesRudyard Kipling
precise
- strictly correct in amount or valuea precise sum
- designating a certain thing and no other; particularthis precise location
- using or operating with total accuracyprecise instruments
- strict in observance of rules, standards, etca precise mind
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Word Origin
C16: from French précis, from Latin praecīdere to curtail, from prae before + caedere to cut
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for precise
adj.
mid-15c., from Middle French précis "condensed, cut short" (14c.) and directly from Medieval Latin precisus, from Latin praecisus "abrupt, abridged, cut off," past participle of praecidere "to cut off, shorten," from prae "before" (see pre-) + caedere "to cut" (see -cide; for Latin vowel change, see acquisition). Related: Precisely (late 14c.).
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper