Precisely

Definition

Precisely is an adverb that means in exact terms, without vagueness, or with accuracy.

Parts of Speech

• Adverb: precisely

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /prɪˈsaɪsli/
• Respelling: prih-SY-slee (with "prih" as in "prism," "SY" as in "sigh," and "slee" as in "sleeve")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /prɪˈsaɪsli/
• Respelling: prih-SY-slee (similar to American English, with "prih" as in "prism," "SY" as in "sigh," and "slee" as in "sleeve")

In both dialects, "precisely" is pronounced with the primary stress on the second syllable, "SY." The pronunciation remains consistent across both American and British English, clearly articulating the word with emphasis on the "SY" part.

Etymology

Derived from the adjective "precise", which comes from the Latin word "praecisus", meaning "cut off, shortened". The term is formed by adding the adverbial suffix "-ly" to "precise".

Derivatives

• Preciseness
• Precision
• Precisify
• Preciser
• Precisest

Synonyms

• Exactly
• Specifically
• Accurately

Antonyms

• Generally
• Broadly
• Vaguely

Usage

"Precisely" is employed to stress the exactness or accuracy of a statement or action. It can be used to agree with someone emphatically or to indicate a specific point in a discussion.

Related Terms

• Precision instrument
• Precision engineering
• Precise measurement
• Precise fit
• Precise control

Detailed Definition

Adverb

• In exact terms; without vagueness.
• Example: "The ingredients need to be measured precisely to achieve the desired outcome."

• Used to express agreement or to underscore the correctness of a statement or description.
• Example: "You said it would rain today." "Precisely, and now it's pouring outside."

• With meticulous attention to detail or accuracy.
• Example: "The machine parts were engineered precisely to ensure perfect alignment."