precise
word
/pɹiˈsaɪs/
pri-SYS
/pɹɪsˈaɪs/
pri-SYS
Definition
Exact and accurate, with clear detail and no mistakes; sometimes used to describe a person who is very careful about small details.
Usage & Nuances
'Precise' is more formal than 'exact' and often emphasizes careful accuracy or attention to detail. Common collocations: 'precise measurements', 'to be precise', 'precise instructions'. Do not confuse 'precise' (accurate, careful) with 'concise' (short, brief).
Spanish: preciso - exactoPortuguese (BR): preciso - exatoPortuguese (PT): preciso - exatoChinese (Simplified): 精确的 - 准确的Chinese (Traditional): 精確的 - 準確的Hindi: सटीक - ठीकArabic: دقيق - محددBengali: সুনির্দিষ্ট - নিখুঁতRussian: точный - чёткийJapanese: 正確な - 精密なVietnamese: chính xác - tỉ mỉKorean: 정확한 - 꼼꼼한Turkish: kesin - tam - hassasUrdu: درست - صحیح - عین مطابقIndonesian: tepat - cermat
Example Sentences
A precise measurement is important in science.
basic
To be precise, the event starts at 6:03, not 6.
natural
He’s very precise with his language when he gives presentations.
natural
Can you be more precise about where you saw him?
natural
We need precise answers on this test.
basic
The instructions must be precise so everyone understands them.
basic