Reading Theme:
Accurate: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：exactly correct (accurate)
accurate
/ˈæk.jə.rət/
adj.
Correct, true, and without any mistakes. It matches the facts exactly.
exactly correct
➕
ɛgˈzæktli kəˈrɛkt
adj.
Describes information, data, or statements that are completely correct and free from errors, aligning perfectly with reality or established facts.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'accūrātus' (done with care), from 'ad-' (to) + 'cūrāre' (to care for).
💡 Mnemonic
Think of 'a cure rate' for a medicine. For a treatment to be effective and safe, its reported success rate must be completely **accurate**.
📖 Example
To get a good grade in history, your essay must include accurate dates and names of important events.
It is essential to use correct and error-free historical dates and names in your essay to achieve a high score.
🔗 Collocations
accurate description – a portrayal or account that correctly represents the facts
accurate measurement – a reading or calculation that is free from error
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
inaccurate (adj.) – Not correct; containing mistakes or errors.
incorrect (adj.) – Not in accordance with fact; wrong.
🌱 Derivatives
accurately (adv.) – In a correct and precise manner.
accuracy (n.) – The quality or state of being correct or precise.
📖 Cultural Story
The word 'accurate' traces its origins to the Latin 'accūrātus,' meaning 'prepared with care.' This root in 'care' highlights that accuracy is fundamentally about diligence and attention to detail. In modern English culture, 'accurate' holds a place of high importance in scientific publishing, where peer-reviewed journals demand accurate data and methodology, and in journalism, where fact-checking is a core ethical principle to ensure reports are accurate.
Meaning 2：precise and reliable (accurate)
accurate
/ˈæk.jə.rət/
adj.
Able to hit a target or achieve a result reliably and without missing. Often used for skills or machines.
precise and reliable
➕
prɪˈsaɪs ənd rɪˈlaɪəbl
adj.
Describes the capability of a person, tool, or system to perform an action, such as hitting a target or achieving a result, with consistency and minimal deviation.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The new robotic arm in the factory is incredibly accurate, placing each tiny electronic component in the exact right position every time.
The factory's new robotic arm demonstrates remarkable precision and consistency, correctly positioning every small electronic part without fail.
🔗 Collocations
accurate shot – a projectile that hits the intended target precisely
accurate prediction – a forecast that correctly anticipates a future event or outcome
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
inaccurate (adj.) – Not able to achieve the intended result consistently; prone to error.
🌱 Derivatives
accurately (adv.) – In a precise and reliable manner.
accuracy (n.) – The degree to which a result conforms to the correct or true value.
Wordbook
Your data is saved in this browser