precisely
- 1In an exact and accurate manner, without deviation or error.
The machine cuts each part precisely to the required dimensions.
Engineers must align the components precisely to avoid failure.
Similarexactly, accurately, correctly, just, right
Oppositeimprecisely
Note
The manner adverb answers the question "how?": you express yourself precisely, measure precisely, align parts precisely. It grades like any manner adverb (more precisely, most precisely), and its plain opposite is imprecisely. Negation softens it usefully: a figure that is "not precisely known" is known only roughly. Exactly can usually stand in, while incisively narrows it to sharp, penetrating thought or speech.
- 2Used to add emphasis, stressing that a statement is exactly correct or fitting.
That is precisely the kind of error we set out to prevent.
He resigned precisely because no one would listen to him.
Similarexactly, just, specifically, simply
Note
A focusing adverb fastens onto the phrase that follows and insists that this, and nothing nearby, is the point. It sits directly before what it stresses, whether a noun phrase (precisely the kind of error) or a clause (precisely because no one listened), so moving it moves the emphasis.
Practice
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Origin
Formed from "precise" combined with the adverb-forming suffix "-ly".