preciselyadverb
uk/prɪˈsaɪs.li/us/prəˈsaɪs.li/precisely adverb (EXACTLY)
B2 exactly:
The fireworks begin at eight o'clock precisely.
What do you think the problem is, precisely?
B2 used to emphasize what you are saying:
"You look tired - you should go home and rest." "I'm going to do precisely that."
But it's precisely because of the noise that they're thinking of moving.
C1 used to express complete agreement with someone or suggest that what they have said is obvious:
"It would be stupid to attempt the journey in the dark." "Precisely!" he answered.
More examples
- It's precisely that sort of slick sales talk that I mistrust.
- It is not possible to pinpoint precisely the time of death.
- That's precisely the sort of behaviour that I really dislike.
- She told you that precisely because she wants you to feel sorry for her.
- And how, precisely, do you propose we should deal with this problem?
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Accurate and exact
- accuracy
- accurate
- aright
- authoritative
- bang
- be bang on idiom
- exact
- exactly
- flat
- in so many words idiom
- infallible
- infallibly
- letter-perfect
- literal
- strictly speaking idiom
- technically
- to the day idiom
- to the letter idiom
- truly
- unerring
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You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:
Linguistics: very & extreme
Words & phrases expressing agreement & acceptance
precisely adverb (CAREFULLY)
approving carefully and accurately:
He works slowly and precisely whereas I tend to rush things and make mistakes.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Cautious and vigilant
- askance
- attentive
- belt and braces idiom
- better safe than sorry idiom
- better the devil you know (than the devil you don't) idiom
- discreet
- due diligence
- gingerly
- guarded
- intent
- minutely
- narrowly
- once
- once bitten, twice shy idiom
- precise
- scrupulous
- sedulous
- slowly
- vigilance
- vigilant
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You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:
Detailed and careful