Wiktionary

exactly

English

edit

Etymology

edit

From exact +‎ -ly.

Pronunciation

edit
  • IPA(key): /ɪɡˈzæk(t)li/
  • Audio (US):(file)

Adverb

edit

exactly (comparative more exactly, superlative most exactly)

  1. (manner) Without approximation; precisely.
    Measure exactly so we can be sure it is right.
    The edge is not exactly straight.
    He divided the coins exactly in half.
    • 1687, Chriſtopher Cooper, “Chap. XIX: Of Barbarous Speaking”, in The Engliſh Teacher, London: John Richardſon, for the Author, pages 77-78; republished Menston: Scolar Press, 1969:
      He, that would write exactly, muſt avoid a Barbarous Pronunciation, and conſider for facility, or thorow miſtake, many words are not ſounded after the beſt dialect. Such as […] Wun, one.
  2. (focus) Precisely, used to provide emphasis.
    He did it that way exactly to prove the point.
    • 2012, Amlynn Smith, Lost and Found, page 18:
      His hair is a semilong dull red and pulled back in a sloppy pony at the base of his neck, and his face is riddled with small freckles and grease, but out here I can see personal hygiene isn't exactly at the top of the priority list.

Synonyms

edit

Antonyms

edit

Derived terms

edit

Translations

edit

Interjection

edit

exactly

  1. Signifies agreement or recognition.
    So you're saying that we have only three days left? — Yes, exactly!

Translations

edit
Retrieved from "https://en.wiktionary.org/w/index.php?title=exactly&oldid=83674350"