precisely
Britishadverb
Explanation
The adverb precisely describes something done with complete accuracy or perfection. When you speak precisely, you pronounce each word completely and clearly — and you say exactly what you mean. Something that's done precisely is done with great care, the way you'd set the table according to your grandmother's demands, precisely following her instructions about where knives and forks should go. You can also use precisely to tell about an exact time, like meeting a friend under the big clock at precisely 12:30. On its own, precisely can substitute for yes or exactly.
Vocabulary lists containing precisely
"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, Chapters 20–25
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Words to Know Before You Defrost the Bird
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Vocabulary from "Community is the 'killer app' missing from virtual reality" by Dmitri Williams
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
The resolution stops short of suggesting precisely what those limits should be.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026
"The overwhelming majority of eclipsing binaries are tight binaries and are precisely the systems around which we most expect to find transiting circumbinary planets."
From Science Daily • Apr. 19, 2026
It is not clear precisely how the shopping price cap would be enforced, though the manifesto says it would be introduced as a public health measure, similar to the minimum unit price of alcohol.
From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026
They have hired several people from Driveline, including 30-year-old assistant hitting coach Andrew Aydt, who until now had precisely zero professional baseball experience as a player or coach.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026
“Except for you, Miss Lumley. You are to come see me in my study at five o’clock, precisely one hour from now. I would have a word with you. In private.”
From "The Interrupted Tale" by Maryrose Wood
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.
