English Reference
noun · adjective

precision

n. · adj.
US /pɹiˈsɪʒən/ UK /pɹɪsˈɪʒən/ pre·ci·sion UK spelling precisions

  1. 01 C1 Advanced Formal

    n.the quality of being very accurate and careful in what you do.

    n.the quality of being precise or exact; the state of being both accurate and detailed in execution or description.

    Simple

    The surgeon performed the operation with great precision.

    In context

    The legal document was drafted with such precision that there was no room for misinterpretation by the opposing counsel.

    accuracyexactnesscarefulness
    imprecisionvagueinaccuracy
  2. 02 C1 Advanced Technical Science

    n.how close several measurements are to each other.

    n.the ability of a measurement to be reproduced consistently under unchanged conditions; distinct from accuracy, which measures closeness to a true value.

    Simple

    The lab results showed high precision, as every test gave the same number.

    In context

    While the instrument displayed high precision by returning consistent readings, its lack of calibration meant the accuracy remained poor.

  3. 03 C2 Proficiency Technical Math

    n.the number of digits used to show how exact a measurement is.

    n.the number of significant digits or decimal places to which a value is measured or expressed.

    Simple

    The computer calculates the trajectory of the rocket with double precision.

    In context

    The software allows users to adjust the level of numerical precision depending on the complexity of the statistical model being tested.

  4. 04 C1 Advanced Technical

    adj.describing a tool or machine made to be very exact.

    adj.designed for or capable of exact measurement or operation; characterized by high accuracy.

    Simple

    The factory uses precision tools to make the tiny parts for watches.

    In context

    The aerospace industry relies on precision engineering to ensure that every component fits perfectly within the engine assembly.

Usage increase precision

You can pull a trigger for a zoomed-in precision aim, but somehow this is even fiddlier to steer with a modern analogue stick or mouse than it was back then.

The Guardian· 13 Aug 2026

More than 20 landings are planned through 2029, testing everything from precision landings and lunar communications to rovers, power systems, and technology that can survive the Moon’s extreme conditions.

ScienceDaily· 11 Aug 2026

From Middle French precision. Equivalent to precise + -ion.

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

This entry
Origin frm precision
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Common
Updated