# exactly

Pronunciation: say "ig-ZAKT-lee" /ɪɡˈzæk(t).li/

## Adverb

1. Precisely, with complete accuracy; also used to stress that something matches in every way what is stated, meant or wanted.
   - Simple: Completely correct in every detail, or just what was said or wanted.
   - _The two measurements matched exactly, down to the last millimeter._
   - _He arrived exactly when he promised, not a minute later._
3. 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. *(colloquial)*
   - Simple: Used after "not" to make a statement gentler, or in a joking way to 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._

## Interjection

2. Used to express strong agreement with, or confirmation of, what another person has just said.
   - Simple: Used to show that you fully agree with what someone 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._

## Origin

Formed from "exact" combined with the adverb-forming suffix "-ly".

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/exactly (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).