B2adverb2K

Precisely

UK /["/prɪˈsaɪsli/"]/US /["/prɪˈsaɪsli/"]/

Definition

exactly

In simple words: Exactly or very accurately.

Examples

They look precisely the same to me.
That's precisely what I meant.
It's not clear precisely how the accident happened.
The meeting starts at 2 o'clock precisely.
to describe something precisely
She pronounced the word very slowly and precisely.
It's **precisely because** I care about you that I don't like you staying out late.
The children are precisely the ones who will suffer if they get divorced.
‘It's not that easy, is it?’ ‘No, precisely.’
The problem is due to discipline, or, more precisely, the lack of discipline, in schools.

Usage notes

Use in contexts where exactness is necessary. Avoid in casual conversations where approximate terms may suffice.

Grammar pattern

standalone adverb

Memory hint

Think of 'pre-see' — imagine seeing something clearly and exactly.

Collocations

precisely define
precisely state
precisely measured
precisely understand

Synonyms

accurately
exactly
correctly
specifically
clearly

Antonyms

imprecisely
approximately
vaguely

Common mistakes

Confused with 'precis' which means a summary.
Using it in overly casual settings.
Misplacing it in a sentence structure.