As an adjective, exact means completely correct and without any error or difference, like an exact answer or exact copy. As a verb, it means to demand and get something, often with force or authority.
It comes from Latin 'exactus', past participle of 'exigere', meaning 'to drive out, demand, examine', from 'ex-' (out) and 'agere' (to drive, do). The idea of 'driving out' the precise amount led to the sense of strict accuracy.
An 'exact' number is like a payment down to the last cent—nothing extra, nothing missing. The verb sense, 'to exact revenge' or 'exact payment', shows the same strictness: you’re collecting exactly what you believe is owed.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.