ENGLISH
REFERENCE

exact

v.
A2 Elementary Oxford US //ɪɡˈzækt// UK //ɛɡzˈækt// ex·act General-service

v. to demand and get something from someone, often by using force or authority. It is also used when a situation causes a specific result, like a bad effect on your health.

v. to demand and obtain something from someone, typically through the exercise of authority or force. In a figurative sense, it describes a situation or action that inevitably results in a specific consequence or toll.


SIMPLE

The king decided to exact a heavy tax from his people.

CONTEXTUAL

The long hours at the office began to exact a heavy toll on his physical and mental health.

COMPLEX

While the victors were in a position to exact harsh reparations from the defeated nation, diplomats cautioned that such severity might sow the seeds of future conflict.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

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”).

Usage

The verb is transitive and requires a direct object, often taking the preposition 'from' when referring to the source of the demand.

Pitfall

He exacted for paymentHe exacted paymentExact is a transitive verb and does not take the preposition 'for' before the object.

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