English Reference
adjective · verb

exact

adj. · v.
US /ɪɡˈzækt/ UK /ɛɡzˈækt/ ex·act UK spelling exacted, exacts

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    adj.completely correct in every detail.

    adj.precisely agreeing with a standard, fact, or truth without any deviation.

    Simple

    I need the exact measurements of the room before I buy the carpet.

    In context

    The scientist recorded the exact temperature at which the chemical reaction began to ensure the experiment could be replicated.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.very careful to follow rules or be perfect.

    adj.characterized by strict adherence to standards, rules, or methods.

    Simple

    He is very exact about how he wants his coffee prepared.

    In context

    The job requires an exact person who will not overlook even the smallest clerical errors in the financial reports.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Formal

    v.to force someone to give you something, like money or an apology.

    v.to demand and enforce the payment or performance of something, often through authority or force.

    Simple

    The king used his power to exact high taxes from the people.

    In context

    The victorious army sought to exact a heavy toll from the local population as punishment for their resistance during the siege.

    Usage

    This is a transitive verb that always takes a direct object.

  4. 04 C1 Advanced Formal

    v.to make something necessary or to cause a result.

    v.to make something desirable or necessary; to inflict or produce a specific effect.

    Simple

    The long journey will exact a price on your health if you do not rest.

    In context

    The stressful nature of the high-stakes negotiations began to exact a visible toll on the lead diplomat's well-being.

Usage exact location · exact date


From Latin exāctus (the verb via Middle English exact), perfect passive participle of exigō (“demand, claim as due; measure by a standard, weigh, test”), from ex (“out”) + agō (“drive”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Middle English exact
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Common
Updated