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
Synonym Usage
See correct.
Other Word Forms
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”
Explanation
Precise means strictly correct or very exact. If you need something to be precise, like the positioning of a safety net for a stunt jump over a canyon, there's no room for error. The word precise might make you think of a scientist carefully measuring the mass of a chemical for an experiment or an accountant double checking her calculations. But there's value to being precise in less formal situations as well. When making a grilled cheese sandwich, for example, it’s important that the arrangement of ingredients be precise: place a tomato in each corner and ensure that the cheese covers every inch of bread so that each bite is full of gooey delight.
Vocabulary lists containing precise
Tier 2 Words for the SBAC ELA Items
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Hatchet
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The Cay
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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.
For example, the effect could help produce particular states of light that are useful for especially precise measurements in quantum metrology.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 19, 2026
But the concentration of 18-year-olds and League One players suggests clubs are becoming increasingly precise about the market they are targeting.
From BBC ● Aug. 15, 2026
City negotiators now head into another round of talks with LA28 on the precise level of services needed at the Convention Center, Venice Beach, Dodger Stadium and other locations.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 13, 2026
It was a moving atmosphere, immortalised by the countless phones raised to capture photos and videos of that precise instant.
From Barron's ● Aug. 12, 2026
My father looks at his watch, though I can’t imagine he doesn’t already know the precise time.
From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse
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.
