precision

Everyday

1. Precision means being very exact and careful, getting every small detail right. tree →
2. (maths, science) Precision is how exact a measurement is, for example to the nearest millimetre rather than to the nearest metre. tree →
3. As an adjective before a noun, precision means made to be very exact (precision tools). tree →

In the lessons

In maths and science, precision is about the number of decimal places or how small the units are (3.14159 is more precise than 3.14). Precision differs from accuracy: accurate means close to the true value, precise means exact and repeatable. In stories and sport it shows skill (a goal kicked with precision).

Examples

• She cut the paper with great precision. tree →
• Measure to the nearest millimetre for more precision. tree →
• Surgeons work with precision. tree →
• The arrow hit the target with amazing precision. tree →
• Giving π as 3.14159 shows more precision than 3.14. tree →
• The watch was made with precision tools. tree →
• Gymnasts need precision and balance. tree →
• The specific actions of the two waters are described with great precision in this story. tree →

Note

Uncountable: "with precision", not "a precision". Adjective: precise; adverb: precisely. Trap: precision is not accuracy — you can be very precise and still wrong (5.287 m when the real length is 6 m). Spelling: -sion, not -tion.