precise

USAGE SUMMARY

"precise" is a word that can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is done accurately and with great detail and care. For example, "The surgeon was precise in her movements to ensure a successful operation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They show Starbucks have taken a bit of a knock as a result [of public outrage]," he said, although he was not able to release the precise figures.

The Guardian - Business

Raymond Carver (1976) Possibly the most economical short story writer in this list, Carver, with his precise, punchy prose, conveys in a few words what many novelists take several pages to elucidate.

The Guardian

That delivery, so angry and precise and limpid in its movement off the pitch, more than the ball that took out Clarke's off-stump, was the ball that signalled the end.

The Guardian - Sport

Even in a simple court dance, he's emphatic about the precise musical beat on which the foot has to be placed flat on the ground, the accent of a plié, the height at which a pointed toe should be lifted, the twist or curve of a torso.

The Guardian

£8.5m of Norwich's money to be precise, and advanced arithmetic tells us that that works out at, let's see now, yes, £8.5m per goal.

The Guardian - Sport

The bill, setting out precise details of the legal purge, will be guided through parliament by the Ministry of Justice.

The Guardian

Ive told Parker: "I thought it would be interesting if it were less precise, and just a little bit more spitty... more analog and more primitive, and I think, in that way, somehow more ominous".

The Guardian - Tech

I'm regularly overtaken by men in banana-yellow Lycra, my view of the road suddenly obscured by a disgustingly precise representation of their pumping buttocks.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The venom directed at Lee this week simply reflects the desperation within the ranks of Fianna Fáil as it faces two crucial byelections, local government elections and the European poll all on one day – 5 June to be precise.

The Guardian

Sir John Major has waited a very long time – 20 years to be precise.

The Guardian

The happiest day of my life was a few years earlier - 18 June 1994, to be precise, a day – maybe a day and a half – when everything went right.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity in technical writing, use "precise" measurements and terminology to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "precise" is valuable for formal and technical settings, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations. Alternatives like "accurate" or "exact" might sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The word "precise" functions primarily as an adjective. Ludwig AI shows its usage in modifying nouns to denote accuracy, exactness, and attention to detail. It helps to provide a more defined and clear description of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "precise" is a highly useful adjective for emphasizing accuracy and exactness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used across various formal and professional contexts. While alternatives like "accurate" or "exact" exist, "precise" stands out for its focus on meticulous detail. Remember to use it judiciously in informal settings to maintain a natural tone. With a source quality score of 87 and an expert rating of 4.6, this term proves its value in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

accurate

Focuses on correctness and freedom from error, similar to "precise" but with a broader application.

exact

Implies strict conformity to fact or a defined standard, akin to "precise" but can also denote rigidity.

specific

Highlights particularity and detail, diverging from "precise" in its emphasis on individual elements.

meticulous

Emphasizes thoroughness and attention to detail, exceeding "precise" in its connotation of care.

definite

Signifies clarity and lack of ambiguity, differing from "precise" in its stress on certainty.

well-defined

Refers to something clearly outlined and delineated, unlike "precise" which focuses on accuracy.

explicit

Stresses clarity and openness in expression, contrasting with "precise" which centers on accuracy.

clear-cut

Implies a straightforward and unambiguous distinction, varying from "precise" in its emphasis on simplicity.

carefully defined

Highlights the thoroughness of the definition, unlike "precise" which focuses on the accuracy.

unambiguous

Emphasizes the absence of multiple interpretations, differentiating from "precise" in its focus on clarity.

FAQs

How can I use "precise" in a sentence?

You can use "precise" to describe something that is exact and accurate. For example, "The scientist needed a "precise measurement" for the experiment."

What are some alternatives to "precise"?

Alternatives to "precise" include "accurate", "exact", and "specific", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "precise" or "accurate"?

The choice between "precise" and "accurate" depends on the nuance you want to convey. "Precise" emphasizes exactness and detail, while "accurate" focuses on correctness.

What does it mean when something is described as "precise"?

When something is described as "precise", it means it is carefully and exactly defined or performed, leaving little room for error.