precise

UK: /prɪˈsaɪs/ US: /prɪˈsaɪs/ ,(pri sīs′)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

pre•cise /prɪˈsaɪs/   adj. 

1. definitely stated, defined, or fixed:
   clear, precise directions.
2. being that one and no other:
   [before a noun] bought the precise dress I wanted.
3. exact in expressing oneself:
   He's very precise, so if he said "today,'' then he means "today.''
4. carefully distinct:
   careful, almost too-precise pronunciation.
5. exact in measuring, recording, etc.:
   a precise instrument.

pre•cise•ness, n. [uncountable] See -cise-.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

pre•cise  (pri sīs′), adj. 

1. definitely or strictly stated, defined, or fixed:
   precise directions.
2. being exactly that and neither more nor less:
   a precise temperature; a precise amount.
3. being just that and no other:
   the precise dress she had wanted.
4. definite or exact in statement, as a person.
5. carefully distinct:
   precise articulation.
6. exact in measuring, recording, etc.:
   a precise instrument.
7. excessively or rigidly particular:
   precise observance of regulations; precise grooming.

• Latin praecīsus curtailed, brief, origin, originally past participle of praecīdere to cut off, cut short, equivalent. to prae- pre- + -cīsus, combining form of caesus, past participle of caedere to cut
• Middle English 1350–1400

pre•cise′ly, adv. 
pre•cise′ness, n. 
Synonyms

• 1. explicit. See correct. 

Antonyms

• 1. indefinite, vague.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

precise / prɪˈsaɪs/ adjective

1. strictly correct in amount or value: a precise sum
2. designating a certain thing and no other; particular: this precise location
3. using or operating with total accuracy: precise instruments
4. strict in observance of rules, standards, etc: a precise mind

Etymology: 16th Century: from French précis, from Latin praecīdere to curtail, from prae before + caedere to cut

preˈciseness noun