precise
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.very exact and accurate in every detail.
adj.characterised by exactness and accuracy; strictly defined or stated.
Simple“The scientist needed to take precise measurements for the experiment to work.”
In context“The architect provided precise dimensions for the structural beams, ensuring that every component would fit together without the need for on-site adjustments.”
Antonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
adj.when several measurements or results are very close to each other.
adj.referring to the degree of reproducibility or consistency between multiple measurements, regardless of their proximity to the true value.
Simple“The clock is precise because it loses exactly one second every day.”
In context“While the sensor's readings were highly precise, they were not accurate, as they consistently overshot the actual temperature by five degrees.”
UsageIn scientific contexts, 'precise' is often distinguished from 'accurate'.
SynonymsAntonyms - 03 C2 Proficiency
adj.very careful about following rules or behaving in a formal way.
adj.excessively concerned with rules, details, or etiquette; punctilious in manner.
Simple“He was a very precise man who always kept his desk perfectly tidy.”
In context“Her precise manner of speaking and strict adherence to protocol often made her subordinates feel intimidated during formal reviews.”
- 04 C2 Proficiency
v.to make something clear or to give exact details.
v.to render something precise or to specify details clearly. This usage is rare in modern English and often considered nonstandard.
Simple“The contract failed to precise the exact date of the delivery.”
In context“The legal counsel requested that the witness precise the timeline of events before the cross-examination continued.”
UsageUsually functions as a transitive verb taking a direct object.
Antonyms
Usage precise cause · precise control · precise analysis
“Technology and techniques have improved over time, and now scientists are able to map these metrics at even more precise scales.”
“The report did not identify the precise target or say whether it had been hit.”
From Middle French précis, from Latin praecīsus, perfect passive participle of praecīdere, from prae- (“before, in front”) + caedere (“cut; strike”), cognate with hit. Related to incise. Doublet of précis.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.