precise
Consistent, clustered close together, agreeing with each other (this does not mean that they cluster near the true, correct, or accurate value).
Word facts
Definition of Precise
Adhering too much to rules; prim or punctilious.
Example sentences
His measurements were so precise that all five attempts gave nearly identical results.
The technician was praised for her precise and consistent readings.
Using Precise well
A closer look at how precise is used — meaning in plain English, how close synonyms differ, and examples at different levels.
Exact and correct in every detail, with no vagueness.
Use 'precise' when you want to stress exactness — that a measurement, statement, or action is sharply defined and leaves no room for error. It fits technical, scientific, and careful everyday writing.
Common in science, engineering, measurement, instructions, and descriptions of careful language or timing.
'Precise' and 'accurate' are often used as if identical, but they differ: accurate means close to the true value, precise means consistently exact and finely detailed. A scale can be precise (same reading every time) yet inaccurate (consistently wrong).
- exact
- very close in meaning but plainer — 'precise' hints more at careful attention to fine detail
- accurate
- different focus — 'accurate' means matching the truth or target, while 'precise' means sharply defined and consistent
- specific
- about being detailed and particular rather than exact — narrowing things down, not measuring them
- meticulous
- describes a person's care and thoroughness rather than the exactness of a result
- definite
- weaker — clearly settled or fixed, but without the fine-grained exactness of 'precise'
- vague
- direct opposite — unclear and lacking sharp detail
- approximate
- milder opposite — roughly right but not exact
- imprecise
- plain opposite — not exact, loosely defined
- Beginner Please give me the precise time the train leaves.
- In writing The recipe calls for precise measurements, so a kitchen scale works better than measuring cups.
- Advanced Her prose is precise to the point of austerity: not a single word could be swapped without loss.
'Precise' cuts things down to an exact point — think of trimming away everything vague until only the exact detail remains.
Synonyms for Precise
Related words
Words closely connected to Precise in meaning or use:
Words that rhyme with Precise
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FAQ
Questions people ask
What does precise mean?
Consistent, clustered close together, agreeing with each other (this does not mean that they cluster near the true, correct, or accurate value). It is an adjective.
How many syllables does precise have?
There are 2 syllables in precise, divided as prih·sys when spoken.
What part of speech is precise?
In a sentence, precise functions as an adjective. As a verb, it describes an action or state.
What are synonyms for precise?
Close in meaning to precise are meticulous, dead, fine, right — choose the one whose tone fits your sentence.
How do you use precise in a sentence?
Example: "His measurements were so precise that all five attempts gave nearly identical results."