precisely

precisely — adverb

1. with no difference at all from the true amount, time, place, or detail.

1.adverbB2
Definition

with no difference at all from the true amount, time, place, or detail.

Example

The clock stopped at precisely 6:17 during the power cut.

precisely + exact time

Nina placed the vase precisely in the center of the table.

precisely + exact position

Common collocations
  • precisely at
  • precisely in the center
  • precisely fifty dollars
  • fit precisely
Synonyms
  • exactly

    the closest everyday synonym and slightly less formal

  • just

    can replace it before times or amounts in informal speech

  • right

    informal and common before time expressions such as 'right at noon'

Antonyms
  • approximately

    shows the amount or time is only near the true one

  • roughly

    gives an estimate rather than an exact figure

Grammar Patterns

precisely + number/time

precisely + place phrase

fit precisely

Usage Note

Often placed before a number, time, or location phrase. Distinguish from sense 4 (WITH CARE): sense 1 names the exact result or point, not the careful method used to reach it.

Common Mistakes

The train left precise at 7:05.
The train left precisely at 7:05.
use the adverb before an exact time.

2. adding force to show that a reason, point, or description is completely right.

2.adverbB2
Definition

adding force to show that a reason, point, or description is completely right.

Example

That is precisely why we left before the storm arrived.

precisely why

This photo shows precisely how the old kitchen looked.

precisely how

Common collocations
  • precisely why
  • precisely how
  • precisely what
  • precisely the problem
Synonyms
  • exactly

    very close in meaning and common in speech

  • just

    often used the same way in everyday English, as in 'just why'

  • indeed

    more formal and often used to confirm a statement

Grammar Patterns

be + precisely + noun phrase

precisely why/how/what

Usage Note

Common next to the word or phrase carrying the key point, especially in patterns like 'precisely why' and 'precisely the problem'. Distinguish from sense 3 (FULL AGREEMENT): this sense stays inside your sentence instead of answering another speaker.

Common Mistakes

Precisely, we left because the road was flooded.
We left precisely because the road was flooded.
place precisely next to the reason or point it emphasizes.

3. said in reply when another person has stated exactly the point you mean.

3.adverbC1
Definition

said in reply when another person has stated exactly the point you mean.

Example

Maya's only response was 'Precisely' as the doctor finished.

one-word reply used as full agreement

Professor Lin smiled and answered, 'Precisely,' after Evan's summary.

Common collocations
  • say 'Precisely'
  • reply 'Precisely'
  • nod and say 'Precisely'
Synonyms
  • exactly

    the most common spoken reply with almost the same meaning

  • absolutely

    stronger and warmer, but not always as pointed

  • indeed

    more formal and less common in everyday conversation

Grammar Patterns

'Precisely.' as a full reply

'Precisely,' + short follow-up

Usage Note

Usually stands alone or comes at the start of a very short reply in conversation. Distinguish from sense 2 (STRONG EMPHASIS): sense 3 reacts to another person's words, while sense 2 strengthens a point inside your own sentence.

Common Mistakes

Precisely we should leave now.
Precisely.' or ✅ 'That is precisely why we should leave now.
this response use normally stands alone, not before a full statement.

4. in a careful way that keeps details correct and avoids mistakes.

4.adverb
Definition

in a careful way that keeps details correct and avoids mistakes.

Example

The nurse precisely marked the spot before giving the child a shot.

precisely + mark

Each window was precisely cut to fit the round tower.

passive: be precisely + past participle

Common collocations
  • precisely mark
  • precisely cut
  • precisely copy
  • precisely weigh
Synonyms
  • accurately

    stresses correctness, especially after measuring or reporting

  • carefully

    the broad everyday word, with less emphasis on exact detail

  • meticulously

    stronger and more formal, suggesting attention to every tiny detail

Antonyms
  • carelessly

    without enough attention, leading to mistakes

  • roughly

    without exact detail or accurate measurement

Grammar Patterns

precisely + mark/cut/copy/weigh

be precisely + past participle

Usage Note

Common with verbs describing detailed practical work, such as measuring, marking, cutting, copying, or weighing. Distinguish from sense 1 (EXACT POINT): sense 4 describes the careful method, while sense 1 focuses on the exact result.

Common Mistakes

The map was drawn precise.
The map was drawn precisely.
use the adverb to describe how the drawing was done.
Idioms

more precisely

idiom

Used to introduce a more exact or detailed statement about what was just said.

The meeting starts at 3, or more precisely, at 3:15.

He is a scientist, or more precisely, a biologist.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/1

Precisely is useful when you want to show an exact match. Exactly is the closest everyday synonym and works in most of the same places, but precisely often sounds a little more careful or formal, especially in explanations. Accurately focuses on being correct after measuring, describing, or reporting something, so it is closer to sense 4 than to sense 1. Specifically narrows the topic to one item or detail, rather than stressing a perfect match. Just can sometimes replace precisely before numbers or times, but it is much more informal and also has many other meanings. You can say 'The train left precisely at 7:05,' 'Please describe the damage accurately,' or 'What specifically worried the parents?'

exactly ↗accurately ↗specifically ↗just ↗

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

Precisely was formed in English from precise and the adverb ending -ly. Precise came through French from Latin praecisus, a word that originally suggested something cut off clearly. Over time, the idea developed into modern meanings such as exact, sharply defined, and careful in detail.