Precision: Definition, Usage & Key Examples

Meaning 1：accuracy (precision)

precision 🔊

/prɪˈsɪʒn/

The quality of being exact, careful, and free from mistakes.

Precision illustrated by a scientist using a digital caliper to measure a metal ball bearing

accuracy 🔊

➕

/ˈækjərəsi/

The state or quality of being extremely accurate, exact, and meticulous, without any deviation or error.

📁 Category：Technological Inventions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'praecidere' (to cut off) via Old French 'précision', combining 'pre-' (before) + '-cis-' (cut) + '-ion' (action/state).

💡 Mnemonic

Think of a scientist using PREcision tools to make a PREcise measurement. PREcision = PREparedness for exactness.

📖 Example

The jeweler cut the diamond with incredible precision to maximize its brilliance. 🔊 The jeweler cut the diamond with incredible accuracy to maximize its brilliance.

🔗 Collocations

high precision – A very great degree of accuracy and exactness

with precision – In an exact and accurate manner

precision instrument – A tool designed for highly accurate measurement or work

🔄 Synonyms

accuracy (n.) – The quality of being correct and free from error.

exactness (n.) – The quality of being perfectly accurate and precise.

meticulousness (n.) – Great attention to detail and thoroughness.

🚫 Antonyms

inaccuracy (n.) – The quality of being incorrect or not exact.

imprecision (n.) – Lack of exactness or accuracy.

carelessness (n.) – Failure to give sufficient attention to avoiding harm or errors.

🌱 Derivatives

precise (adj.) – Marked by exactness and accuracy of detail.

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

preciseness (n.) – The quality of being precise.

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from Latin 'praecidere' meaning 'to cut off short'. The term evolved in French as 'précision' before entering English, originally implying the act of cutting something off precisely or determining something exactly, now central to scientific and engineering discourse.