precisely

British  

/ prɪˈsaɪslɪ /

adverb

1. in a precise manner

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1. exactly: used to confirm a statement by someone else

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.

Example Sentences

Taxing buildings and land together at the same rate discourages precisely the activity cities most need, namely new construction and redevelopment.

From Barron's • Apr. 17, 2026

It is difficult to know precisely how many asylum applications might be fabricated.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

The court has invalidated far less novel exercises of government power on precisely those grounds.

From Slate • Apr. 15, 2026

Although the physical robots moved more slowly and less precisely than the simulated agents, they displayed the same overall patterns.

From Science Daily • Apr. 15, 2026

Of course, she meant to say “locking” rather than “baking,” but this is precisely what is so tricky about acronyms and homonyms.

From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood

Related Words

• absolutely
• accurately
• as well
• correctly
• literally
• specifically
• squarely
• strictly