precise
Americanadjective
-
definitely or strictly stated, defined, or fixed.
precise directions.
- Synonyms:
- explicit
- Antonyms:
- vague, indefinite
-
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.
adjective
-
strictly correct in amount or value
a precise sum
-
designating a certain thing and no other; particular
this precise location
-
using or operating with total accuracy
precise instruments
-
strict in observance of rules, standards, etc
a precise mind
Related Words
See correct.
Other Word Forms
- overprecise adjective
- overprecisely adverb
- overpreciseness noun
- precisely adverb
- preciseness noun
- superprecise adjective
- superprecisely adverb
- superpreciseness noun
- ultraprecise adjective
- unprecise adjective
- unprecisely adverb
- unpreciseness noun
Etymology
Origin of precise
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”
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.
But he said he’s also looking to four prior ETF launches that were focused on hot themes and then “acted as contrary indicators in an extremely precise manner.”
From MarketWatch • Apr. 4, 2026
A shoe’s width or a precise description of how it could be used becomes more necessary because AI chatbots tend to home in on those sorts of details to suggest products to shoppers, he said.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026
It also removes the need for frequent and precise calibration of the receiver, which is a major challenge in traditional systems.
From Science Daily • Apr. 1, 2026
ABS uses tracking technology — 12 Hawk-Eye cameras — to determine the precise location of a pitch relative to a batter’s specific strike zone.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026
In fact, what he produced was one of the most painstakingly precise and delightful chess books ever written, rivaling the works of Tarrasch, Alekhine, and Reti.
From "Endgame" by Frank Brady
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.
