Cool MateExact vs Precise
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Exact
Top 2,000 (common)A2adjective
Precise
Top 2,000 (common)B2adjective
| Exact | Precise | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪɡˈzækt/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪɡˈzækt/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/prɪˈsaɪs/"]/🇺🇸 /["/prɪˈsaɪs/"]/ |
| Meaning | Something that is completely correct or precise. | Exact and clear without mistakes. |
| Example | I need the exact amount of money for the purchase. | The scientist provided a precise measurement of the chemical reaction. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | B2 |
| Part of speech | adjective | adjective |
| Collocations | exact location, exact amount, exact match, exact time, exact details | be, become, make something, extremely, incredibly, infinitely, about, in, be, become, make something, extremely, incredibly, infinitely, about, in |
| Antonyms | approximate, imprecise, vague | imprecise, vague, general |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'exactly'; 'exact' is an adjective, while 'exactly' is an adverb., Using 'exact' with countable nouns without an article; e.g., it should be 'the exact answer'., Overusing 'exact' when 'accurate' or 'correct' might be more suitable. | Using 'precise' when 'exact' is more suitable., Confusing 'precise' with 'specific'., Saying 'more precise' instead of 'more precise than'. |
| Usage notes | Use 'exact' when you want to emphasize precise details or correctness. It's appropriate in both spoken and written contexts, but avoid using it in very casual or slang settings. | Use 'precise' when you want to describe something that is very accurate or detailed. It is appropriate in both everyday and formal contexts, but avoid using it when describing vague or approximate situations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Exact vs Precise
What's the difference between Exact and Precise?
Exact: Something that is completely correct or precise. Precise: Exact and clear without mistakes.
Which is more advanced: Exact and Precise?
Precise is the highest level, at B2, on the CEFR scale.
Are Exact and Precise the same CEFR level?
Exact: A2, Precise: B2 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Exact and Precise?
Exact: adjective, Precise: adjective.
Can you show an example of each?
Exact: I need the exact amount of money for the purchase. Precise: The scientist provided a precise measurement of the chemical reaction.
Can I use Exact and Precise interchangeably?
Not always. Exact and Precise are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.