accurate

Everyday

1. Accurate means correct and exact, with no mistakes: an accurate answer, an accurate measurement. tree →
2. An accurate throw, shot or kick hits exactly what you aim at. tree →
3. An accurate description or story is true to the facts. tree →

In the lessons

In maths and science, accurate measurement means being careful with rulers, scales and thermometers; answers can be «accurate to the nearest centimetre» or «to one decimal place». Estimates are quick but less accurate. In sport, accurate passing wins games. In reports and news, accurate information is true and checked. Phrases: «accurate to the nearest…», «accurate measurement», «accurate information».

Examples

• Use a ruler to make an accurate measurement. tree →
• Her answer was accurate to the nearest tenth. tree →
• A digital thermometer is more accurate than guessing. tree →
• His throw was so accurate that it hit the target. tree →
• Make sure your notes are accurate. tree →
• Is that weather forecast accurate? tree →
• Check facts online so your project is accurate. tree →
• The map was not very accurate, and we got lost. tree →
• An archer, who saw the Eagle from a place of concealment, took an accurate aim and wounded him mortally. tree →

Note

Opposite: inaccurate. Noun: accuracy; adverb: accurately. In science, «accurate» means close to the true value, while «precise» means repeated results are close to each other — you can be precise but not accurate. In maths, «accurate to 1 decimal place» means rounding: 3.46 → 3.5.

In Jewish tradition

The Hebrew is hard and uncertain; the phrase "seal most accurate" describes the king of Tyre as a perfect pattern of wisdom and beauty.

Interpretation. Commentators read this lament as mocking a proud king who thought himself perfect, and some find a lesson about pride in it.

Examples

• 'Son of man, take up a lamentation for the king of Tyre, and say unto him: Thus saith the Lord GOD: Thou seal most accurate, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty, (Prophets EZK.28.12, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Opposite: inaccurate. Noun: accuracy; adverb: accurately. In science, «accurate» means close to the true value, while «precise» means repeated results are close to each other — you can be precise but not accurate. In maths, «accurate to 1 decimal place» means rounding: 3.46 → 3.5.