precision
Precision (noun) means the quality of being exact and accurate. Example: “The watchmaker worked with incredible precision on the tiny gears.”
How to Use Precision
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishExactness — either in general, or in the technical sense of how consistent repeated results are.
In science, "precision" (consistency) is technically different from "accuracy" (correctness) — you can be precise but wrong every time.
Word Forms
precisions plural
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
The watchmaker worked with incredible _____ on the tiny gears.
Etymology
From Latin praecisio, formed the same way as precise plus -ion.
Related Words
Rhymes for precision
See all rhymes for precision →Frequently Asked Questions
What does “precision” mean?
The word “precision” means the quality of being exact and accurate. In plain terms, exactness — either in general, or in the technical sense of how consistent repeated results are.
How do you pronounce “precision”?
“Precision” is pronounced prih-SIHZH-uhn (/pɹɪˈsɪʒ.ən/ in IPA).
How do you use “precision” in a sentence?
Here is “precision” used in a sentence: “The watchmaker worked with incredible precision on the tiny gears.”
What is another word for “precision”?
Words with a similar meaning to “precision” include exactitude.
What part of speech is “precision”?
Depending on how it is used, “precision” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “precision” come from?
The word “precision” comes from Latin. From Latin praecisio, formed the same way as precise plus -ion.
Is “precision” a common word?
“Precision” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “precision” have?
“Precision” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the quality of being exact and accurate.
What is the difference between precision and accuracy?
In everyday English they overlap, but in science and measurement they are distinct: accuracy is how close a result is to the true value, while precision is how consistently repeated measurements agree with each other. Results can be precise but inaccurate — tightly clustered around the wrong value — or roughly accurate but imprecise.
What is a precision instrument?
A precision instrument is a tool designed for exact measurement or accuracy, built to very fine tolerances. In this use, precision works as a modifier, as in precision engineering and precision tools.
Is it correct to say "with precision"?
Yes: with precision is the standard collocation, as in "the manoeuvre was executed with precision". For emphasis, English commonly adds a modifier — with great precision, with pinpoint precision, with surgical precision.
What is the opposite of precision?
The direct opposite is imprecision. Depending on context, vagueness (of language), inaccuracy (of measurement), and sloppiness (of workmanship) all serve as opposites of precision.