English Reference
adverb

exactly

adv.
US /ɪɡˈzæktɫi/ UK /ɛɡzˈæktli/ ex·act·ly

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    in a way that is 100% correct or accurate, without any mistakes.

    used to indicate that a statement or measurement is precise and without approximation.

    Simple

    The train arrived at exactly ten o'clock, just as the schedule promised.

    In context

    The scientist needed to measure the chemical solution exactly to ensure the reaction proceeded safely and predictably.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    used to emphasize a word or to show that something is very specific.

    used as a focus marker to provide emphasis to a specific part of a sentence.

    Simple

    What exactly do you mean by that comment?

    In context

    It is not exactly clear why the board decided to veto the proposal after months of preliminary support.

Usage exactly what's · exactly like · exactly their situation


From exact + -ly.

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

This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Very common
Updated