Imprecise: Definition, Examples, and Usage Guide

Meaning 1：not exact (imprecise)

imprecise 🔊

/ˌɪmprɪˈsaɪz/

adj.

not exact or accurate; when something is a little off or not completely correct.

Imprecise old ruler with blurry markings on paper

not exact 🔊

➕

/nɒt ɪɡˈzækt/

adj.

Lacking exactness or accuracy; referring to data, measurements, or statements that are somewhat off.

📁 Category：Technological Inventions 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

im- (not) + precise (from Latin 'praecisus', meaning cut short, exact).

💡 Mnemonic

I'm precise? No, I'm imprecise—missing the mark.

📖 Example

The old smartphone's GPS gave imprecise directions, leading us to the wrong side of the park. 🔊 The old smartphone's GPS gave imprecise directions, leading us to the wrong side of the park.

🔗 Collocations

imprecise measurement – a measurement that is not exact

imprecise language – language that is vague or not specific

imprecise estimate – an estimate that is not accurate

🔄 Synonyms

inaccurate (adj.) – not correct or true; containing errors

inexact (adj.) – not precisely correct or accurate

vague (adj.) – not clearly expressed or defined

🚫 Antonyms

precise (adj.) – marked by exactness and accuracy

accurate (adj.) – correct in all details; exact

exact (adj.) – not approximated in any way; precise

🌱 Derivatives

imprecisely (adv.) – in a way that is not exact or accurate

imprecision (n.) – the quality or state of being imprecise

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from Latin 'praecidere' (to cut short), via French. In modern English, it describes anything that is not exact, from measurements to statements.