precisely
5 synonyms and 0 antonyms for precisely, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adverb — In an exact way; exactly.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
How to use precisely
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From precise plus the adverb-forming suffix -ly.
Full origin of precisely →Frequently asked questions
What does “precisely” mean?
The word “precisely” means in an exact way; exactly. In plain terms, exactly — either describing an exact detail, or used alone as a strong "yes, exactly.".
How do you pronounce “precisely”?
“Precisely” is pronounced prih-SYS-lee (/pɹɪˈsaɪs.li/ in IPA).
How do you use “precisely” in a sentence?
Here is “precisely” used in a sentence: “The train arrived precisely at nine o'clock.”
What part of speech is “precisely”?
“Precisely” is an adverb.
Is “precisely” a common word?
“Precisely” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “precisely” have?
“Precisely” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in an exact way; exactly.
What is the difference between "precisely" and "exactly"?
"Precisely" and "exactly" are very close in meaning, and both stress accuracy with no room for error. "Precisely" can sound slightly more formal or technical, but in most sentences the two are interchangeable, as in "at precisely nine o'clock" or "at exactly nine o'clock."
Can you use "precisely" on its own as a reply?
Yes. "Precisely" can stand alone as an emphatic way of agreeing with what someone has just said, meaning "exactly right." For example, if a colleague sums up your point, you might simply answer, "Precisely."
When should you use "precisely" instead of "about" or "roughly"?
Use "precisely" when you want to stress that a figure or detail is exact and not an estimate, as in "the meeting starts at precisely 3 p.m." Use "about" or "roughly" when the amount is only approximate, since these words signal the opposite of precision.