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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Precise: Definition, Examples, and Usage Tips (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：extremely accurate (precise)

precise 🔊

/prɪˈsaɪs/

adj.

extremely accurate, with no mistakes in any detail.

Precise measurement: scientist using pipette in lab

extremely accurate 🔊

➕

/ɪkˈstriːmli ˈækjərət/

adj.

Describes something that is completely correct and free from any error or deviation, especially when measuring or describing.

📁 Category：Technological Inventions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Latin 'prae-' (before) + 'caedere' (to cut), meaning 'cut off before'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'precise' = 'pre' + 'cise' (like 'scissors'): cut exactly beforehand.

📖 Example

Scientists need precise instruments to measure the tiny changes in the experiment. 🔊 Scientists need extremely accurate instruments to measure the tiny changes in the experiment.

🔗 Collocations

precise measurement – a measurement that is exact and without error

precise instructions – instructions that are clear and detailed, leaving no room for mistakes

precise timing – timing that is exactly correct, down to the smallest unit

🔄 Synonyms

accurate (adj.) – free from error, especially as a result of carefulness

exact (adj.) – strictly correct or matching a particular value or standard

correct (adj.) – in accordance with fact or truth; without errors

🚫 Antonyms

inaccurate (adj.) – not accurate; containing errors

imprecise (adj.) – lacking exactness and accuracy

vague (adj.) – not clearly or exactly expressed; indefinite

🌱 Derivatives

precision (n.) – the quality of being exact and accurate

precisely (adv.) – in an exact and accurate manner

imprecise (adj.) – not exact or accurate

📖 Cultural Story

Originates from Latin 'praecisus', past participle of 'praecidere' (to cut short). Entered Middle English via Old French 'précis'. Used since 16th century for exactness.

Meaning 2：meticulous (precise)

precise 🔊

/prɪˈsaɪs/

adj.

describing a person who is very careful about details and rules.

Precise librarian aligning books on shelf

meticulous 🔊

➕

/mɪˈtɪkjʊləs/

adj.

Describes a person who pays extremely close attention to details, rules, and accuracy in their work or behavior.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

My history teacher is very precise; she always checks every date and name in our essays. 🔊 My history teacher is very meticulous; she always checks every date and name in our essays.

🔗 Collocations

precise person – a person who is extremely careful about details and order

precise about details – showing great care and exactness regarding small points

precise manner – a way of doing things that is thorough and exact

🔄 Synonyms

meticulous (adj.) – showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise

fastidious (adj.) – very concerned about accuracy and detail, often about small things

scrupulous (adj.) – diligent, thorough, and extremely careful to avoid doing wrong

🚫 Antonyms

careless (adj.) – not giving sufficient attention or thought to avoid mistakes

sloppy (adj.) – careless and unsystematic; lacking care in work

negligent (adj.) – failing to take proper care in doing something

🌱 Derivatives

precision (n.) – the quality of being exact and accurate

precisely (adv.) – in an exact and accurate manner

imprecise (adj.) – not exact or accurate