precisely
word · lemma: precise
/pɹiˈsaɪsɫi/
pruh-SYS-lee
/pɹɪsˈaɪsli/
pruh-SYS-lee
Definition
In an exact, accurate, or carefully measured way. It can also be used to emphasize that something is exactly true or that a specific time, reason, or detail is correct.
Usage & Nuances
Common in formal and neutral English. Often used with numbers, times, measurements, and explanations: 'precisely at 8,' 'precisely because,' 'that is precisely the problem.' Stronger and more exact than 'exactly' in some contexts, especially in careful speech or writing.
Spanish: precisamente - exactamentePortuguese (BR): precisamente - exatamentePortuguese (PT): precisamente - exatamenteChinese (Simplified): 精确地 - 恰恰 - 正是Chinese (Traditional): 精確地 - 恰恰 - 正是Hindi: ठीक-ठीक - सटीक रूप से - बिल्कुल उसी तरहArabic: بدقة - تمامًا - على وجه التحديدBengali: ঠিকভাবে - নির্ভুলভাবেRussian: точно - именноJapanese: 正確に - まさにVietnamese: chính xác - đúngKorean: 정확히 - 바로Turkish: tam olarak - kesinlikleUrdu: بالکل - ٹھیکIndonesian: dengan tepat - persis
Example Sentences
The train leaves at precisely six o’clock.
basic
This machine cuts the paper precisely.
basic
Please write precisely what the teacher says.
basic
That’s precisely why I didn’t call him.
natural
You’re doing precisely what they expected.
natural
I can’t say precisely when we’ll be back.
natural