# exact

/ɪɡˈzækt/ (US) · /ɛɡzˈækt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/exact
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. accurate and correct

adjective · CEFR A2

completely correct in every detail.

For teachers: precisely agreeing with a standard, fact, or truth without any deviation.

- I need the exact measurements of the room before I buy the carpet.
- The scientist recorded the exact temperature at which the chemical reaction began to ensure the experiment could be replicated.

### 2. strict or careful

adjective · CEFR B2

very careful to follow rules or be perfect.

For teachers: characterized by strict adherence to standards, rules, or methods.

- He is very exact about how he wants his coffee prepared.
- The job requires an exact person who will not overlook even the smallest clerical errors in the financial reports.

### 3. to demand and get

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

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

- The king used his power to exact high taxes from the people.
- 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. to cause or require

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to make something necessary or to cause a result.

For teachers: to make something desirable or necessary; to inflict or produce a specific effect.

- The long journey will exact a price on your health if you do not rest.
- The stressful nature of the high-stakes negotiations began to exact a visible toll on the lead diplomat's well-being.

## Examples

- The king decided to exact a heavy tax from his people.
- The long hours at the office began to exact a heavy toll on his physical and mental health.
- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.