Precise Definition & Meaning

American

British

Related Words

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Examples

Related Words

Synonyms precise American [pri-sahys] / prɪˈsaɪs /

adjective

1. definitely or strictly stated, defined, or fixed.

   precise directions.

   Synonyms: explicit Antonyms: vague, indefinite

2. being exactly that and neither more nor less.

   a precise temperature;

   a precise amount.

3. being just that and no other.

   the precise dress she had wanted.

4. definite or exact in statement, as a person.

5. carefully distinct.

   precise articulation.

6. exact in measuring, recording, etc..

   a precise instrument.

7. excessively or rigidly particular.

   precise observance of regulations;

   precise grooming.

precise British / prɪˈsaɪs /

adjective

1. strictly correct in amount or value

   a precise sum

2. designating a certain thing and no other; particular

   this precise location

3. using or operating with total accuracy

   precise instruments

4. strict in observance of rules, standards, etc

   a precise mind

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Related Words

See correct.

Other Word Forms

• overprecise adjective
• overprecisely adverb
• overpreciseness noun
• precisely adverb
• preciseness noun
• superprecise adjective
• superprecisely adverb
• superpreciseness noun
• ultraprecise adjective
• unprecise adjective
• unprecisely adverb
• unpreciseness noun

Etymology

Origin of precise

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin praecīsus “curtailed, brief,” originally past participle of praecīdere “to cut off, cut short,” equivalent to prae- pre- + -cīdere, combining form of caedere “to cut”

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

And his precise route running helps him stay that way even though he’s not the fastest guy on the field.

From The Wall Street Journal

"This large rocket engine will slow down the ISS, and enable it to have a precise re-entry over the Pacific Ocean, far from land, people or any other potential hazards," Horack explained.

From Barron's

He was known for regularly ambling by and commandeering these tour groups to show off whatever latest project he had going or demonstrate the precise and persnickety method he’d perfected for planting a tree.

From The Wall Street Journal

It sends acoustic waves through the skull and concentrates them on a precise target, sometimes only a few millimeters wide.

From Science Daily

The advances would improve control, reduce unnecessary force and support safer and more precise surgery, and enable the Royal Stoke to move closer to becoming a centre of excellence for robotics.

From BBC

Related Words

• accurate
• actual
• clear-cut
• correct
• decisive
• definite
• exact
• explicit
• literal
• narrow
• particular
• proper
• rigid
• rigorous
• specific
• strict

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.