Word
precisely
Phoneticspre·cise·ly, stress on the second syllable
US/pɹiˈsaɪsɫi/
UK/pɹɪsˈaɪsli/
Adverb of manner
Definitions
01exactly
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. in an exact way, without any mistakes or changes.
adv. in a precise or exact manner; with total accuracy and attention to detail.
“The meeting will start at precisely nine o'clock, so please do not be late.”
“The chemist measured the solution precisely to ensure that the reaction would proceed without any volatile side effects.”
Usage
often used to modify time, measurements, or locations to show strict accuracy.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02emphasis
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. used to emphasize that what you are saying is the most important or exact point.
adv. used as a focus adverb to provide emphasis or to highlight a specific detail as being the exact cause or reason.
“It is precisely because of the rain that we decided to stay home.”
“It was precisely this lack of transparency that led the board of directors to call for an immediate internal audit.”
Usage
frequently appears in the construction 'it is precisely because...' or 'precisely the...'.
Synonyms
03strong agreement
B2 · Upper Intermediate Formal
interj. used on its own to show that you completely agree with what someone just said.
interj. used as a standalone particle to express emphatic agreement with a previous speaker's statement or observation.
“— 'So the problem is the cost?' — 'Precisely.'”
“— 'If we fail to secure the patent now, the entire year of research will be wasted.' — 'Precisely; that is why we must act today.'”
Usage
functions as a one-word response in dialogue.
Teaching tip
This is a more formal and sophisticated alternative to 'Exactly' or 'Right' Right' in professional conversations.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “precisely” in context.
Verb
01. precisely define
“It is difficult to precisely define the boundaries of this new scientific field.”
adv + verb
Real-World Examples
“The yellow line was never precisely defined and Israeli forces have moved beyond it.” “That's precisely the point of a science degree.” Etymology
From precise + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/precisely