precise

Everyday

1. Exact and correct in every small detail. tree →
2. Very careful and accurate in doing things. tree →
3. Used to stress that you mean exactly this one: «at that precise moment». tree →

In the lessons

In maths and science, precise measurements give exact numbers with the right units; pupils are asked to be precise with a ruler or a thermometer. In writing, precise words make meaning clear. Phrases: «to be precise», «at that precise moment», «precise instructions».

Examples

• Please give a precise answer, not a guess. tree →
• The recipe needs precise amounts of flour and sugar. tree →
• The line is 7.4 centimetres long, to be precise. tree →
• At that precise moment, the bell rang. tree →
• A surgeon must be very precise. tree →
• Use precise words to describe your character. tree →
• The clock gives the precise time. tree →
• Those were her precise words, so there can be no denying that it was she who first tempted him. tree →

Note

Adverb «precisely», noun «precision». In science, «precise» (repeated measurements close together) is different from «accurate» (close to the true value). In maths, a precise answer may need decimals; «round to one decimal place» makes it less precise. Do not confuse with «concise» (short).

In Jewish tradition

In maths and science, precise measurements give exact numbers with the right units; pupils are asked to be precise with a ruler or a thermometer. In writing, precise words make meaning clear. Phrases: «to be precise», «at that precise moment», «precise instructions».

Examples

• The precise meanings of these subdivisions will be subsequently explored in chapters 3, 4, and 5. (Sefer Yetzirah, Sefaria community translation) tree →

Note

Adverb «precisely», noun «precision». In science, «precise» (repeated measurements close together) is different from «accurate» (close to the true value). In maths, a precise answer may need decimals; «round to one decimal place» makes it less precise. Do not confuse with «concise» (short).