exactly understood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exactly understood" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means that something is fully comprehended or grasped with complete accuracy. This phrase can be used in situations where there may be uncertainty or ambiguity about a certain topic or concept. Example: "I want to make sure that my expectations for this project are exactly understood by everyone on the team." Here, the speaker wants to emphasize the importance of everyone having a clear and precise understanding of their expectations for the project. Using "exactly understood" conveys that there is no room for misinterpretation or misunderstanding.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Me, I've never exactly understood why they (or, more relevantly, I) should.

The New York Times

I know Nancy loved Kenyon very specially, but I don't think even she, or anybody, exactly understood him.

The New Yorker

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) has become the leading cause of end-stage renal disease, but the pathogenesis of this condition is not exactly understood.

Journal of Diabetes and its Complications

Although the exact reasons are not yet exactly understood, sleep specialist Michael Breus, Ph.D., tells the Huffington Post that an earlier-to-bed schedule could be healthier.

Huffington Post

However, it is not exactly understood how obesity causes this insulin resistance.

Plosone

The mechanisms of insulin resistance in the clinical setting of severe sepsis are numerous and not exactly understood [ 8].

Critical Care

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Wargo didn't exactly understand it, either.

The New Yorker

Even the meat scientists at Texas Tech don't exactly understand what's going on.

The New York Times - Books

I love it, but I don't know if I exactly understand it.

The New York Times - Magazine

Ms. Sithole, the former bookkeeper, does not exactly understand what has befallen her country.

The New York Times

I didn't exactly understand it but knew that my goal was to achieve this state, called "ketosis".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context. In scientific or technical writing, using "exactly understood" highlights the need for precise and accurate understanding of complex concepts.

Common error

Avoid using "exactly understood" in situations where a simpler term like "understood" or "clear" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exactly understood" functions as a verb phrase, often used in passive constructions to indicate that a subject has been completely and accurately comprehended. This usage is supported by Ludwig, which provides examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

43%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exactly understood" is a grammatically correct and valid expression for emphasizing precise comprehension. Ludwig's analysis indicates that it's most frequently found in scientific and news media contexts, reflecting a need for accuracy. While not as common as simpler alternatives like "understood", "exactly understood" is valuable for conveying a complete and unambiguous grasp of a topic. When writing, consider whether the emphasis on precision is necessary, and avoid overuse in simple contexts to maintain a natural and effective tone. The choice between "exactly understood" and alternatives depends largely on the specific nuances you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perfectly comprehended

Replaces "exactly understood" with synonyms that highlight complete and flawless understanding.

fully grasped

Focuses on the idea of completely taking hold of or understanding something.

completely apprehended

Emphasizes a thorough and comprehensive understanding, often used in more formal contexts.

thoroughly digested

Suggests an understanding that has been carefully considered and integrated.

clearly perceived

Highlights the clarity and ease with which something is understood.

precisely known

Focuses on the accurate and exact nature of the understanding.

unequivocally clear

Emphasizes the lack of ambiguity in the understanding.

without any doubt understood

Adds emphasis by highlighting that understanding is certain and unquestionable.

absolutely clear in meaning

Highlights the clarity in the meaning of something that is understood.

plainly and clearly understood

Uses more emphatic language to indicate ease and precision of understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "exactly understood" in a sentence?

You can use "exactly understood" to emphasize a precise comprehension, as in "The terms of the contract must be "exactly understood" by all parties involved."

What are some alternatives to "exactly understood"?

Alternatives include "perfectly comprehended", "fully grasped", or "clearly perceived", depending on the desired nuance.

Is it better to say "exactly understood" or "completely understood"?

Both are correct, but "exactly understood" emphasizes precision, while "completely understood" stresses thoroughness. Choose the phrase that best reflects the intended meaning.

What does "exactly understood" imply about the level of comprehension?

"Exactly understood" implies that the subject matter is not just generally understood, but grasped with a high degree of accuracy and detail, leaving no room for ambiguity or misinterpretation.