precise

IPA/prɪˈsaɪs/
KK[prɪsˈaɪs]IPA/prɪˈsaɪs/

precise — adjective

  • precisepositive
  • more precisecomparative
  • most precisesuperlative

1. clear and exactly right, with details stated in a way that leaves no doubt.

1.adjectiveB2
Definition

clear and exactly right, with details stated in a way that leaves no doubt.

Example

Please give the precise address, including the apartment number.

precise + noun for exact detail

The watch stopped at the precise moment the lights went out.

collocation: precise moment

Common collocations
  • precise address
  • precise moment
  • precise steps
  • precise information
  • precise map
Synonyms
  • exact

    very close in meaning, often stronger with numbers, times, and limits

  • accurate

    focuses on being correct, especially compared with facts or measurements

  • specific

    stresses clear detail, but not always perfect exactness

Antonyms
  • vague

    not clear enough to show the exact detail

  • rough

    only approximate, not exact

  • inaccurate

    not correct when checked against the facts

Grammar Patterns

precise details

a precise time

be precise about + noun

Usage Note

Often modifies nouns such as details, measurements, instructions, or time. Distinguish from sense 2: here the focus is on the information itself being exact, not on a person's careful habit.

Common Mistakes

Be precise for the date on the form.
Be precise about the date on the form.
use 'about' for the detail you state exactly.
The report is very precision.
The report is very precise.
use the adjective precise after 'be'.

2. very careful to get even small parts right.

2.adjectiveC1
Definition

very careful to get even small parts right.

Example

Yuki is precise about labels and dates in every box.

be precise about + noun

The jeweler was precise when setting the tiny stones by hand.

be precise when + -ing

Common collocations
  • precise about details
  • precise in your work
  • precise with measurements
  • precise when checking figures
Synonyms
  • careful

    broader and more everyday, with less stress on exact detail

  • meticulous

    stronger, often suggesting extreme attention to tiny details

  • methodical

    focuses more on working in an ordered, step-by-step way

Antonyms
  • careless

    not paying enough attention to details

  • sloppy

    informal; describes work done without proper care

Grammar Patterns

be precise about + noun

be precise in + noun

be precise when + -ing

Usage Note

Common after a linking verb, especially with about, in, or when + -ing. Distinguish from sense 1: this sense describes the care someone shows, not just whether the final information is exact.

Common Mistakes

Mina is precise to every detail.
Mina is precise about every detail.
use 'about' with the thing someone checks carefully.
The nurse was precise for recording each name.
The nurse was precise when recording each name.
use 'when + -ing' to describe the careful action.
Idioms

to be (more) precise

idiom

This phrase adds exact details to something you just said.

The meeting starts at 3 p.m., or 15:00 to be precise.

She earned $50,000 last year—$49,850 to be more precise.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

For adjective sense 1, precise is useful when details are clear and exactly stated. Exact is often the closest match, especially for numbers, times, and limits: an exact price or the exact minute. Accurate focuses on being correct when checked against facts, measurements, or records, so a report can be accurate even if it is not very detailed. Specific means clearly identified rather than general, but it does not always suggest perfect exactness. Definite stresses that something is fixed and leaves no uncertainty. Say a precise address, an accurate total, a specific reason, and a definite answer.

exact ↗accurate ↗specific ↗definite ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • be precise about details
  • use precise language
  • make precise measurements

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

Precise came into English through French from a Latin word meaning 'cut off'. The older picture is of something sharply cut or clearly separated, and that developed into the modern idea of language, information, or work that is exact and clearly defined.