Words / B2

pri-SYS/prɪˈsaɪs/

Precise means exact, with no unnecessary vagueness. Accurate is “correct”; precise is “finely specified” — a measurement can be precise but still wrong if the tool is biased — while exact is a close everyday synonym. Collocations include a precise figure / definition / moment and to be precise; precision is the noun.

Meaning

Exact and accurate.

Examples

• “Please give me the precise time of arrival.”
• “We need a precise definition of the term.”
• “The map is not precise enough for hiking.”

Good to know

precise figure / time / wording. accurate = correct; precise = exact in detail.

Near in meaning

exact

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