precise

Formsprecises, precising, precised

1. 1
   adjective

   Exact and correct, with no mistakes or guessing.

   Like a clock that shows exactly the right time, down to the second.

   She gave precise directions to the old farmhouse.

   We need a precise answer, not a rough guess.

   Similarexact, accurate, meticulous, careful, correct

   Oppositeimprecise, inexact

   Note
2. 2
   adjective

   Giving very similar results each time, even if those results are not correct.

   Like arrows that all hit the same spot, even when that spot is not the center of the target.

   The scale is precise because it shows the same weight every time.

   These gauges are precise, but they all read a little too high.

   Similarconsistent, repeatable, reproducible, reliable

   Oppositeimprecise, inconsistent, varying

   Note
3. 3
   adjective

   Following rules so strictly that a person seems stiff or fussy.

   Like someone who lines up their pencils perfectly and gets upset if one is crooked.

   Her precise manners made the guests feel they could never relax.

   He was so precise about the table rules that dinner felt stiff.

   Similarpunctilious, fastidious, prim, fussy, pedantic

   Oppositeeasygoing, lax, casual, relaxed

4. 4
   verbnonstandardtransitive

   To make something exact by giving clear, detailed terms.

   Like filling in the exact details on a form instead of leaving blanks.

   The committee will precise the new rules before the vote.

   Please precise the meeting date so everyone knows when to come.

   Similarspecify, define, clarify, detail, stipulate

   Note

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