precisely

/prɪˈsaɪsli/ (bre, ipa) · /prɪˈsaɪsli/ (ame, ipa) · /pri-ˈsīs-lē/ (ame, mw)

precisely — 副詞

1. with no difference at all from the true amount, time, place, or detail.

1.副詞B2
釋義

正好；恰好

在時間、數量或位置上一點不差

with no difference at all from the true amount, time, place, or detail.

例句

The clock stopped at precisely 6:17 during the power cut.

停電時，那座時鐘正好停在六點十七分。

precisely + exact time

Nina placed the vase precisely in the center of the table.

Nina 把花瓶不偏不倚地放在桌子正中央。

precisely + exact position

同義詞
  • exactly

    the closest everyday synonym and slightly less formal

  • just

    can replace it before times or amounts in informal speech

  • right

    informal and common before time expressions such as 'right at noon'

反義詞
  • approximately

    shows the amount or time is only near the true one

  • roughly

    gives an estimate rather than an exact figure

文法句型

precisely + number/time

precisely + place phrase

fit precisely

用法筆記

Often placed before a number, time, or location phrase. Distinguish from sense 4 (WITH CARE): sense 1 names the exact result or point, not the careful method used to reach it.

常見錯誤

❌The train left precise at 7:05.
✅The train left precisely at 7:05.
💡use the adverb before an exact time.

2. adding force to show that a reason, point, or description is completely right.

2.副詞B2
釋義

正是；的確

加強語氣，凸顯關鍵點

adding force to show that a reason, point, or description is completely right.

例句

That is precisely why we left before the storm arrived.

那正是我們在暴風雨來前離開的原因。

precisely why

This photo shows precisely how the old kitchen looked.

這張照片的確顯示出舊廚房當時的樣子。

precisely how

同義詞
  • exactly

    very close in meaning and common in speech

  • just

    often used the same way in everyday English, as in 'just why'

  • indeed

    more formal and often used to confirm a statement

文法句型

be + precisely + noun phrase

precisely why/how/what

用法筆記

Common next to the word or phrase carrying the key point, especially in patterns like 'precisely why' and 'precisely the problem'. Distinguish from sense 3 (FULL AGREEMENT): this sense stays inside your sentence instead of answering another speaker.

常見錯誤

❌Precisely, we left because the road was flooded.
✅We left precisely because the road was flooded.
💡place precisely next to the reason or point it emphasizes.

3. said in reply when another person has stated exactly the point you mean.

3.副詞C1
釋義

沒錯；正是

回應對方，表示完全同意

said in reply when another person has stated exactly the point you mean.

例句

Maya's only response was 'Precisely' as the doctor finished.

醫生說完後，Maya 只回了一句：「正是如此。」

one-word reply used as full agreement

Professor Lin smiled and answered, 'Precisely,' after Evan's summary.

Evan 做完摘要後，Professor Lin 微笑著說：「正是如此。」

同義詞
  • exactly

    the most common spoken reply with almost the same meaning

  • absolutely

    stronger and warmer, but not always as pointed

  • indeed

    more formal and less common in everyday conversation

文法句型

'Precisely.' as a full reply

'Precisely,' + short follow-up

用法筆記

Usually stands alone or comes at the start of a very short reply in conversation. Distinguish from sense 2 (STRONG EMPHASIS): sense 3 reacts to another person's words, while sense 2 strengthens a point inside your own sentence.

常見錯誤

❌Precisely we should leave now.
✅Precisely.' or ✅ 'That is precisely why we should leave now.
💡this response use normally stands alone, not before a full statement.

4. in a careful way that keeps details correct and avoids mistakes.

4.副詞
釋義

精確；仔細

仔細而準確地做

in a careful way that keeps details correct and avoids mistakes.

例句

The nurse precisely marked the spot before giving the child a shot.

護理師在幫孩子打針前，先仔細地標出位置。

precisely + mark

Each window was precisely cut to fit the round tower.

每扇窗都被精確地裁好，剛好符合那座圓塔。

passive: be precisely + past participle

同義詞
  • accurately

    stresses correctness, especially after measuring or reporting

  • carefully

    the broad everyday word, with less emphasis on exact detail

  • meticulously

    stronger and more formal, suggesting attention to every tiny detail

反義詞
  • carelessly

    without enough attention, leading to mistakes

  • roughly

    without exact detail or accurate measurement

文法句型

precisely + mark/cut/copy/weigh

be precisely + past participle

用法筆記

Common with verbs describing detailed practical work, such as measuring, marking, cutting, copying, or weighing. Distinguish from sense 1 (EXACT POINT): sense 4 describes the careful method, while sense 1 focuses on the exact result.

常見錯誤

❌The map was drawn precise.
✅The map was drawn precisely.
💡use the adverb to describe how the drawing was done.