precisely
adv. · interj.-
1 exactly (adv.) B2 Upper Intermediatein an exact way, without any mistakes or changes.
in a precise or exact manner; with total accuracy and attention to detail.
ExampleThe meeting will start at precisely nine o'clock, so please do not be late.
ExampleThe chemist measured the solution precisely to ensure that the reaction would proceed without any volatile side effects.
Usageoften used to modify time, measurements, or locations to show strict accuracy.
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2 emphasis (adv.) B2 Upper Intermediateused to emphasize that what you are saying is the most important or exact point.
used as a focus adverb to provide emphasis or to highlight a specific detail as being the exact cause or reason.
ExampleIt is precisely because of the rain that we decided to stay home.
ExampleIt was precisely this lack of transparency that led the board of directors to call for an immediate internal audit.
Usagefrequently appears in the construction 'it is precisely because...' or 'precisely the...'.
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3 strong agreement (interj.) B2 Upper Intermediate Formalused on its own to show that you completely agree with what someone just said.
used as a standalone particle to express emphatic agreement with a previous speaker's statement or observation.
Example— 'So the problem is the cost?' — 'Precisely.'
Example— 'If we fail to secure the patent now, the entire year of research will be wasted.' — 'Precisely; that is why we must act today.'
Usagefunctions as a one-word response in dialogue.
Teacher's tipThis is a more formal and sophisticated alternative to 'Exactly' or 'Right' Right' in professional conversations.
From precise + -ly.