exactly

1. 1
   preciselyadverb

   Precisely, with complete accuracy; also used to stress that something matches in every way what is stated, meant or wanted.

   The two measurements matched exactly, down to the last millimeter.

   He arrived exactly when he promised, not a minute later.

   UsageOften right before a number, time or question word: exactly two, at exactly six, exactly what I meant. The opposite of roughly.

   Note

   Christopher Cooper's The English Teacher (1687) uses it of writing: to write exactly is to spell without the slips of careless pronunciation.

2. 2
   I agreeinterjection

   Used to express strong agreement with, or confirmation of, what another person has just said.

   "You think the whole plan is too risky?" "Exactly."

   Exactly. That's the point I've been trying to make all along.

   Similarabsolutely, indeed, right, quite

3. 3
   not reallyadverbcolloquial

   Used with not to tone a statement down, so that it means not really, or, with irony, to deny it completely and mean not at all.

   I'm not exactly an expert, but I think the engine is low on oil.

   Spending six hours in a broken-down car wasn't exactly my idea of a fun weekend.

   UsageUsually not exactly + adjective or noun; not exactly cheap often means expensive. Alone, Not exactly corrects a close guess.

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