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

• precisely adverb
• preciseness noun
• 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.

Example Sentences

Schneider agreed, saying “rules of thumb are just rules of thumb. There is no magic number. You need to do a precise plan and update that plan over time.”

Read more on MarketWatch

For the baker in your life, the extra-wide slots accommodate thick sourdough slices without a fuss, and the precise settings deliver a reliably even toast every time.

Read more on Salon

GPS is still very precise, when it’s available.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

That data allows the club to make precise recommendations.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The precise mechanism for how UPFs cause such a wide range of health problems also remains unclear.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

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