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 on Thesaurus.com1. explicit.
Synonym study
1. See correct.
Antonyms
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
absolutely, literally, strictly, accurately, specifically, correctly, squarely, definitely, even, expressly, plumb, right, sharp, smack, square, sure, yes, smack-dabExamples from the Web for precisely
Contemporary Examples
But perhaps it is precisely for this reason that the rediscovery of Dietrich von Hildebrand could not come at a better time.
The Sony Hack is precisely the sort of thing that would be made into a Hollywood movie—if it weren't happening to Hollywood.
Yet that is precisely what President Obama and more specifically the immigration lobby is asking Americans to do.
His deficiencies and self-doubts, amid his epochal mission of liberation, are precisely what make him interesting.
Indeed, a common racial slur in Dutch is, precisely, roetmop, which means soot mop.
Historical Examples
It was done in precisely the same way, as before, with the same result.
Harriet, The Moses of Her PeopleSarah H. Bradford
It was precisely on the pattern of that worn by the visionary Maid.
The Threefold Destiny (From "Twice Told Tales")Nathaniel Hawthorne
"That is precisely what I wish them to be," responded Grace, in all earnestness.
Grace Harlowe's Return to Overton CampusJessie Graham Flower
Where it is most painful is precisely where it does most harm, among the classes we call professional.
The Conquest of FearBasil King
But the perception of "how to do it" is precisely what most of us have been acquiring.
The Conquest of FearBasil King
precisely
- in a precise manner
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- exactly: used to confirm a statement by someone else
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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 precisely
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