precisely
precisely — adverb
1. with no difference at all from the true amount, time, place, or detail.
with no difference at all from the true amount, time, place, or detail.
The clock stopped at precisely 6:17 during the power cut.
precisely + exact time
Nina placed the vase precisely in the center of the table.
precisely + exact position
The bill came to precisely fifty dollars after the coupon.
That key fits precisely into the small lock on the gate.
- approximately
shows the amount or time is only near the true one
- roughly
gives an estimate rather than an exact figure
文法句型
precisely + number/time
precisely + place phrase
fit precisely
用法筆記
Often placed before a number, time, or location phrase. Distinguish from sense 4 (WITH CARE): sense 1 names the exact result or point, not the careful method used to reach it.
常見錯誤
2. adding force to show that a reason, point, or description is completely right.
adding force to show that a reason, point, or description is completely right.
That is precisely why we left before the storm arrived.
precisely why
This photo shows precisely how the old kitchen looked.
precisely how
Her silence was precisely the problem during the meeting.
That narrow gap is precisely what the cat squeezed through.
文法句型
be + precisely + noun phrase
precisely why/how/what
用法筆記
Common next to the word or phrase carrying the key point, especially in patterns like 'precisely why' and 'precisely the problem'. Distinguish from sense 3 (FULL AGREEMENT): this sense stays inside your sentence instead of answering another speaker.
常見錯誤
3. said in reply when another person has stated exactly the point you mean.
said in reply when another person has stated exactly the point you mean.
Maya's only response was 'Precisely' as the doctor finished.
one-word reply used as full agreement
Professor Lin smiled and answered, 'Precisely,' after Evan's summary.
Several parents around the table murmured 'Precisely' after Nora's last point.
Lena nodded and said, 'Precisely,' when Ben described the noise.
- exactly
the most common spoken reply with almost the same meaning
- absolutely
stronger and warmer, but not always as pointed
- indeed
more formal and less common in everyday conversation
文法句型
'Precisely.' as a full reply
'Precisely,' + short follow-up
用法筆記
Usually stands alone or comes at the start of a very short reply in conversation. Distinguish from sense 2 (STRONG EMPHASIS): sense 3 reacts to another person's words, while sense 2 strengthens a point inside your own sentence.
常見錯誤
4. in a careful way that keeps details correct and avoids mistakes.
in a careful way that keeps details correct and avoids mistakes.
The nurse precisely marked the spot before giving the child a shot.
precisely + mark
Each window was precisely cut to fit the round tower.
passive: be precisely + past participle
Mina precisely copied the phone number from the torn card.
The bakery assistant precisely weighed the flour for the cake.
- accurately
stresses correctness, especially after measuring or reporting
- carefully
the broad everyday word, with less emphasis on exact detail
- meticulously
stronger and more formal, suggesting attention to every tiny detail
- carelessly
without enough attention, leading to mistakes
- roughly
without exact detail or accurate measurement
文法句型
precisely + mark/cut/copy/weigh
be precisely + past participle
用法筆記
Common with verbs describing detailed practical work, such as measuring, marking, cutting, copying, or weighing. Distinguish from sense 1 (EXACT POINT): sense 4 describes the careful method, while sense 1 focuses on the exact result.