precision

USAGE SUMMARY

The word precision is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has been done with accuracy and careful attention to detail. For example: "The watchmaker's work was impressive for its precision and exactness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(More implausibly, it also claims that its "precision" air strikes have killed precisely zero civilians).

The Economist

She explained that the sortie began with military precision around 9pm on Monday, that all of those who attacked their homes were wearing surgical gloves, masks and combat uniforms, that they arrived with wheelie bins stuffed with bricks, bottles and other missiles, and that the entire attack appeared to be well organised.

The Guardian

Acting with seeming impunity and military precision, the extremists oversaw an organised campaign that targeted dark-skinned immigrants, leftist opponents and gay people, according to state prosecutors, who spent 15 months investigating the openly xenophobic, antisemitic and homophobic group.

The Guardian

True to their style, one that has made them arguably the most enjoyable team to watch in Spain this season, the team that went on a 28-game run of scoring in every match, Villarreal showed personality as well as precision and pace.

The Guardian - Sport

The precision parachute drops and state-of-the-art aircraft were among the attractions of a military parade that was once the highlight of the country's National Day but which officials have not dared host since 2008.

The Guardian

He was allowed to maintain that stance pretty well unimpeded, thanks to the much-noted lack of forensic precision from the inquiry team.

The Guardian - Opinion

This lends to the curves a certain precision that is otherwise not possible generally.

WikiHow

"The planning, the precision of the pilots who with just a stopwatch and a compass landed gliders in the dark within 47 yards of the bridge is astonishing, even today.

The Guardian

Wary, too, of advocating a tyranny of the nominal – a taxonomic need to point and name, with the intent of citing and owning – when in fact I perceive no opposition between precision and mystery, or between naming and not knowing.

The Guardian - Books

Wars are organised chaos and, however much it likes to suggest that it is capable of precision bombing, it is clear that the US has got little idea of what has and has not been hit in this instance.

The Guardian

Last year, the planning department wrote new guidance on how developers must measure their shadow impacts with tremendous precision to comply with it.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical writing, combine "precision" with quantitative data to reinforce the reliability of your findings. For example, 'Measurements were taken with a precision of 0.01 mm'.

Common error

Avoid using "precision" when the level of accuracy is not verifiable or demonstrably high. Overstating claims of "precision" can undermine the credibility of your writing. Instead, opt for terms like 'accuracy' or 'care' if the level of detail is less critical.

Linguistic Context

The word "precision" functions primarily as a noun, denoting the quality of being exact or accurate. It describes the degree of refinement in a measurement, calculation, or execution. As Ludwig AI tells us, the examples show it's about accuracy and careful attention to detail.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Sport

14%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Books

6%

Music

6%

Lifestyle

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "precision" is a noun signifying the state of being exact or accurate. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage. It frequently appears in news, sports, and wiki contexts, underscoring its versatility across various domains. Related terms include "accuracy" and "exactness", which highlight its core meaning. To effectively use "precision", emphasize reproducibility and avoid overstated claims. As Ludwig AI shows, this helps maintain credibility and clarity in writing. The frequent presence of "precision" across varied sources, like The Guardian and The Economist, reinforces its importance in clear, accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

accuracy

Emphasizes the correctness or truth of something.

exactness

Highlights the quality of being strictly accurate or correct.

meticulousness

Focuses on extreme care and attention to detail.

thoroughness

Implies a comprehensive and detailed approach.

carefulness

Underscores the avoidance of mistakes through diligence.

deliberateness

Suggests actions performed with intention and purpose.

finesse

Emphasizes skill and delicacy in performance or handling.

skill

Focuses on demonstrated ability and competence.

sharpness

Refers to clarity and keenness, especially in thought or perception.

correctness

Highlights adherence to standards or facts.

FAQs

How can I use "precision" in a sentence?

You can use "precision" to describe the quality of being exact and accurate. For example, "The surgeon performed the operation with great precision" or "The experiment required a high degree of precision".

What is a good synonym for "precision"?

A good synonym for "precision" is "accuracy". Other options include "exactness", "meticulousness", and "thoroughness".

Is there a difference between "precision" and accuracy?

"Precision" refers to the repeatability of a measurement, while "accuracy" refers to how close a measurement is to the true value. A measurement can be precise but not accurate, and vice versa.

When is it appropriate to use "precision" in technical writing?

Use "precision" in technical writing when you want to emphasize the degree to which measurements or processes are reproducible and reliable. For example, in describing the specifications of a machine or the results of an experiment.