Precise - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

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SKIP TO CONTENT precise /prɪˈsaɪs/ /prɪˈsaɪs/ IPA guide

Other forms: precisest; preciser

Precise means strictly correct or very exact. If you need something to be precise, like the positioning of a safety net for a stunt jump over a canyon, there's no room for error.

The word precise might make you think of a scientist carefully measuring the mass of a chemical for an experiment or an accountant double checking her calculations. But there's value to being precise in less formal situations as well. When making a grilled cheese sandwich, for example, it’s important that the arrangement of ingredients be precise: place a tomato in each corner and ensure that the cheese covers every inch of bread so that each bite is full of gooey delight.

Definitions of precise

adjective sharply exact or accurate or delimited “a precise mind” “specified a precise amount” “arrived at the precise moment” synonyms: accurate conforming exactly or almost exactly to fact or to a standard or performing with total accuracy distinct easy to perceive; especially clearly outlined exact marked by strict and particular and complete accordance with fact specific (sometimes followed by `to') applying to or characterized by or distinguishing something particular or special or unique dead unerringly accurate fine minutely precise especially in differences in meaning finespun, hairsplitting developed in excessively fine detail meticulous, punctilious marked by precise accordance with details microscopic extremely precise with great attention to details nice, skillful done with delicacy and skill on the button, on the nose being precise with regard to a prescribed or specified criterion very precisely as stated see moresee less antonyms: imprecise not precise inaccurate not exact inexact not exact general applying to all or most members of a category or group general somewhat indefinite show more antonyms...
adjective (of ideas, images, representations, expressions) characterized by perfect conformity to fact or truth ; strictly correct “a precise image” “a precise measurement” synonyms: accurate, exact correct, right free from error; especially conforming to fact or truth

Pronunciation US /prɪˈsaɪs/ UK /prɪˈsaɪs/ Cite this entry Style: MLA

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Copy citation DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘precise'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback Word Family

Vocabulary lists containing precise

Tier 2 Words for the SBAC ELA Items

Here are 68 Tier 2 words that are likely to be found on the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) ELA exams for 6th - 11th grades. These words may show up in the reading passages, but you are more likely to encounter them in the test questions and possible answers.

Hatchet Gary Paulsen

The sole survivor of a plane crash in the Canadian wilderness, thirteen-year-old Brian Robeson will need resourcefulness, courage, and strength in order to stay alive.

The Cay Theodore Taylor

Shipwrecked and blinded from a torpedo attack, Phillip must conquer his prejudices when his only companion is an elderly West Indian man named Timothy.

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