exact
exact
Pronunciation
/ɪɡˈzækt/
First syllable (ex-):
/ɪ/ - a short "i" sound, as in "bit"
/ɡ/ - a hard "g" sound, as in "go"
Second syllable (-zact):
/ˈ/ - indicates primary stress on this syllable
/z/ - a "z" sound, as in "zoo"
/æ/ - a short "a" sound, as in "cat"
/k/ - a "k" sound, as in "kite"
/t/ - a "t" sound, as in "top"
Word Form Variations
exact (adjective): This is the base form, meaning precise, accurate, or correct in every detail. Example: The exact time is 3:17 PM.
exactly (adverb): This modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, meaning precisely or in a precise manner. Example: That's exactly what I meant.
exactness (noun): This refers to the quality of being exact. Example: The exactness of his calculations was impressive.
exacting (adjective): This means demanding, requiring accuracy, or rigorous. Example: She has an exacting boss. It can also be the present participle of the verb "to exact".
exacting (verb, present participle): This is the -ing form of the verb "to exact". Example: They are exacting a heavy toll.
exacted (verb, past tense/past participle): This is the past tense and past participle of the verb "to exact". Example: The king exacted a tax from his subjects.
exacts (verb, third person singular present): This is the third-person singular present form of the verb "to exact". Example: The law exacts a penalty for this offense.
to exact (verb, infinitive): This is the base form of the verb, meaning to demand and obtain (something, especially payment) by force or authority. Example: They planned to exact revenge.
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Adjective:
Definition: Conforming precisely to a standard, measurement, or truth; free from error or deviation. Meticulous and accurate in detail.
Synonyms: Precise, accurate, correct, accurate, unerring, meticulous, rigorous, definite, literal, faithful.
Antonyms: Inaccurate, imprecise, approximate, vague, loose, general, estimated, rough, incorrect.
Example: The exact dimensions of the room were crucial for ordering the carpet.
Verb:
Definition: To demand and obtain (something, often a payment or obedience) by force, authority, or persistent effort.
Synonyms: Demand, extract, extort, compel, require, impose, wrest, obtain, secure.
Antonyms: Give, offer, relinquish, waive, forgo, remit, release, excuse.
Example: The tyrant exacted a heavy toll from the conquered people.
Adverb:
Definition: Precisely; in a precise manner; without any error or deviation. Used to emphasize the accuracy or correctness of something.
Synonyms: Precisely, accurately, correctly, definitely, literally, faithfully, just, right, perfectly, truly.
Antonyms: Imprecisely, inaccurately, approximately, roughly, loosely, generally, vaguely.
Example: That's exactly what I was thinking!
Noun (less common):
Definition: A precise detail or instance. (Often used in the plural "exacts," referring to specific details).
Synonyms: Details, specifics, particulars, minutiae, facts, items, points.
Antonyms: Generalities, approximations, estimates, vagueness, broad strokes.
Example: He was obsessed with the exacts of the historical event, down to the smallest detail. (This usage is less frequent.)
Noun (derived - exactness):
Definition: The quality or state of being exact; precision; accuracy.
Synonyms: Accuracy, precision, correctness, definiteness, rigor, meticulousness, fidelity, faithfulness.
Antonyms: Inaccuracy, imprecision, vagueness, approximation, looseness, inexactness.
Example: The exactness of her calculations ensured the bridge's structural integrity.
Examples of Use
Adjective:
Book: "He needed the exact coordinates to pinpoint the treasure's location on the map." (Fictional example, but representative of adventure novel usage)
Newspaper: "The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, according to the fire department." (News article, common usage) (Hypothetical example)
Online Publication: "Scientists have determined the exact sequence of the virus's genetic code." (Scientific journal/website - Hypothetical example)
General Public Discourse: "I can't remember the exact date, but it was sometime in July." (Everyday conversation)
Verb:
Book: "The ruthless king exacted a heavy tribute from the conquered territories." (Historical fiction or fantasy novel)
Newspaper: "The kidnappers are exacting a ransom for the safe return of the hostage." (News report, unfortunately common) (Hypothetical example)
Legal Document: "The contract stipulates the penalties to be exacted for breach of agreement." (Legal context) (Hypothetical example)
General Public Discourse: "They are exacting revenge for what happened." (Common expression)
Adverb:
Movie Dialogue: "That's exactly what I was thinking!" (Common movie trope)
Online Review: "The food was exactly as described in the menu." (Restaurant review)
General Public Discourse: "Tell me exactly what happened." (Request for specific details)
Noun (less common):
Technical Writing: "The report details the exacts of the experimental procedure." (Technical or scientific context) (Hypothetical example)
Historical Analysis: "Historians often debate the exacts of the battle." (Academic context) (Hypothetical example)
Derived Noun (exactness):
Scientific Paper: "The exactness of the measurements was crucial to the study's findings." (Scientific context)
Engineering Report: "The exactness of the tolerances is essential for the machine's proper function." (Technical context) (Hypothetical example)
10 Famous Quotes Using Exact
"I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work—but I need the exact one that does." — Thomas Edison
"An exact word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug." — Mark Twain
"Success depends on the exact measure of persistence and purpose." — Napoleon Hill
"The truth, when exact, is rarely soft." — George Orwell
"In science, precision is everything; the exact data tells the story." — Marie Curie
"An exact time exists for every breakthrough—never too early, never too late." — Albert Einstein
"Exact memory is rare; we often recall what we feel, not what occurred." — Sigmund Freud
"Exactitude in art is restraint—the poet knows where to stop." — T.S. Eliot
"Exact moments are often missed chasing vague dreams." — Unknown
"The heart is not exact—but it knows what it wants." — Pablo Neruda
Etymology
Let's break down the etymology of "exact." It comes from the Latin word "exactus." Think of "ex" meaning "out" or "thoroughly," and "actus," which is the past participle of "agere," meaning "to do" or "to drive." So, "exactus" literally means "driven out," "forced out," or "thoroughly done."
Imagine a task being "driven out" to completion, perfectly. That's the core idea behind "exact." It implies something measured precisely, without any deviation or error.
The first known use of "exact" in English dates back to the late 14th century. Initially, it carried the meaning of "precise," "accurate," or "careful." It also had the sense of "rigorous" or "strict," reflecting that original Latin idea of something being "thoroughly done."
So, over time, "exact" has kept its core meaning of precision and accuracy. Whether we're talking about an exact measurement, demanding that something be done exactly as instructed, or exacting a promise, the word always carries that sense of thoroughness and adherence to a standard.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Exact
Phrases using "exact":
Exact replica/copy: This phrase emphasizes that something is a perfect duplicate.
Exact opposite: Highlights a complete contrast.
Exact science: Refers to a field of study characterized by precise measurements and calculations (like physics or chemistry).
Exact change: Needed for some transactions, emphasizing precision in payment.
Exact words: Used when quoting someone precisely.
To the exact minute/second: Emphasizes precision in time.
In exact accordance with: Indicates strict adherence to rules or guidelines.
Original/Less Common Phrases:
The exact nature of: Used to inquire about specific details.
Exact specifications: Highlights the importance of precise requirements.
Exact match: Indicates a perfect fit or correspondence.
Idioms capturing the spirit of "exactness" (using synonyms):
To a T: (Meaning perfectly) - "The suit fit him to a T."
On the dot: (Meaning precisely on time) - "The train arrived at 10:00 AM on the dot."
Dead on: (Meaning perfectly accurate) - "His guess was dead on."
Hit the nail on the head: (Meaning to be perfectly correct) - "You've hit the nail on the head with that suggestion."
Fine-tuned: (Meaning precisely adjusted) - "The engine has been fine-tuned for optimal performance."
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of exact from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
