What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
accurate
Example
The weather forecast was accurate, and it did rain as predicted. [accurate: adjective]
Example
The scale was accurate to within one gram. [accurate: adjective]
Example
She is an accurate typist and rarely makes mistakes. [accurate: adjective]
precise
Example
The instructions were precise and easy to follow. [precise: adjective]
Example
The machine can measure precise angles to within one degree. [precise: adjective]
Example
He is a precise surgeon and pays attention to every detail. [precise: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Accurate is more common than precise in everyday language, and it is often used in scientific or technical contexts. Precise is less common but can be used in a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between accurate and precise?
Both accurate and precise can be used in formal and informal contexts, but accurate is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of situations.
