Word
exactly
Phoneticsex·act·ly, stress on the second syllable
US/ɪɡˈzæktɫi/
UK/ɛɡzˈæktli/
Adverb of manner
Definitions
01precisely
A2 · Elementary
adv. in a way that is 100% correct or accurate, without any mistakes.
adv. used to indicate that a statement or measurement is precise and without approximation.
“The train arrived at exactly ten o'clock, just as the schedule promised.”
“The scientist needed to measure the chemical solution exactly to ensure the reaction proceeded safely and predictably.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02emphasis
B1 · Intermediate
adv. used to emphasize a word or to show that something is very specific.
adv. used as a focus marker to provide emphasis to a specific part of a sentence.
“What exactly do you mean by that comment?”
“It is not exactly clear why the board decided to veto the proposal after months of preliminary support.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “exactly” in context.
Etymology
From exact + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Idioms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- A2 · ElementaryOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/exactly