precise meaning

USAGE SUMMARY

"precise meaning" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you need to clearly define the meaning of something. For example: "The author's precise meaning in this sentence is not clear."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This means that Δ has no precise meaning.

Nanoscale Research Letters

This has a very precise meaning.

The New York Times

Clearly, there is no precise meaning.

The New York Times - Arts

The precise meaning of Mahopac is more tricky to decipher.

The New York Times

Indeed, can "quality" have any precise meaning here?

The Guardian

"I use that word in its precise meaning.

The Guardian - Sport

The precise meaning, however, is often only implicit.

Electronic Notes in Theoretical Computer Science

Words are chosen carefully and for their precise meaning.

University of California, Berkeley

Yet the precise meaning of America's constitution is often unclear.

The Economist

The precise meaning of that language was crucial.

The New York Times

This usage leads to confusion, because equilibrium has such a precise meaning in thermal physics.

Advances in Space Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic writing, use this phrase to signal that you are about to provide a formal definition that excludes ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "precise meaning" when referring to terms that are by definition precise, such as mathematical constants or legal statutes, as it can result in pleonasm. Simply stating the definition is often sufficient in highly technical contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "precise meaning" functions as a nominal group where the adjective "precise" modifies the noun "meaning". According to Ludwig AI, it is a standard and highly effective way to specify exactitude. It typically appears as the object of a verb (e.g., "decipher the "precise meaning"") or after a preposition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Social Media

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "precise meaning" is a robust and essential phrase for any writer aiming for high levels of clarity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide utility across prestigious publications. Whether you are navigating the complexities of the U.S. Constitution in The Economist or defining variables in a scientific paper, this phrase serves as a reliable tool to signal accuracy. It is most effective when used to distinguish a specific definition from more casual or metaphorical interpretations. Given its high frequency in News & Media and Science, it is an indispensable part of a sophisticated English vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exact meaning

Interchangeable with the query, emphasizing 100% accuracy.

specific sense

Focuses on a particular nuance or application rather than general definition.

unambiguous definition

Highlights the lack of confusion or multiple interpretations.

literal meaning

Restricts interpretation to the surface level or word-for-word translation.

rigorous interpretation

Suggests a formal or academic level of scrutiny.

explicit significance

Focuses on meaning that is clearly stated rather than implied.

strict definition

Implies a narrow and uncompromising set of criteria.

accurate connotation

Focuses on the emotional or secondary implications being correct.

concrete meaning

Moves away from abstract interpretations to something tangible.

definite explanation

Suggests a final or conclusive way of understanding something.

FAQs

How to use "precise meaning" in a sentence?

You can use it to clarify intent, such as: "The "exact meaning" of the law remains debated". It functions as a noun phrase often following a definite article.

What can I say instead of "precise meaning"?

Depending on your context, you might use "specific sense", "literal interpretation", or "rigorous definition".

Is it "precise meaning" or "exact meaning"?

Both are correct and largely interchangeable. However, ""exact meaning"" is slightly more common in everyday speech, while "precise meaning" appears more frequently in scientific and philosophical texts.

What is the difference between "precise meaning" and "literal meaning"?

"Precise meaning" refers to accuracy and lack of ambiguity, whereas "literal meaning" refers specifically to the most basic, non-metaphorical sense of a word.