Words / B2

pri-SYSL-ee/prɪˈsaɪsli/

Precisely means exactly; also used to agree strongly with a point: precisely 2.00 g; Precisely. Precise is the adjective (already in the dictionary); exactly is everyday. State the mass precisely to two decimal places. Mix-up: precious; previously (already in the dictionary). Do not write precisely for “I sort of agree”.

Meaning

Exactly; also used to agree strongly with a point.

Examples

• “State the mass precisely to two decimal places, the practical says.”
• “Precisely: the n is twelve, which is the agreeing-adverb sense in the oral.”

Good to know

precisely + figure; more precisely; Precisely. Adjective: precise. Everyday: exactly. Trap: previously / precious. Sciences and orals. Exact, or a firm yes.

Near in meaning

exactly

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