Words / A2

ig-ZAKTL-ee/ɪɡˈzæktli/

Exactly means completely correct, no more and no less: exactly right, at exactly six, that is exactly what I meant. Exact is the adjective: the exact time. Approximately is the opposite idea. Exactly! can be a short reply meaning “yes, that’s it.” Do not use it for rough guesses.

Meaning

Completely correct; in every detail.

Examples

• “That is exactly what I meant.”
• “The train leaves at exactly half past nine.”
• “Tell me exactly where you parked.”

Good to know

exactly + number/time/what-clause. Adjective: exact. Opposite idea: approximately.

Near in meaning

precisely

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