Precise

/prɪˈsaɪs/ adjective

Definition

Precise means exact, clear, and accurate, with no unnecessary parts or errors. It often describes measurements, language, or instructions that leave little room for doubt.

Etymology

“Precise” comes from Latin *praecisus*, “cut off, concise,” from *praecidere*, “to cut off,” from *prae-* (“before”) + *caedere* (“to cut”). The idea is cutting away everything extra to leave only what is exact.

Kelly Says

Precision is a kind of careful subtraction: you remove fuzziness and extras until only the exact meaning or value remains. That’s why precise language can feel sharp—it’s designed to leave no wiggle room.

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