What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
exactly
Example
I know exactly what you mean. [exactly: adverb]
Example
The answer to the question is exactly 42. [exactly: adverb]
precisely
Example
The measurements need to be precisely accurate. [precisely: adverb]
Example
That's precisely what I was thinking. [precisely: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Exactly is more commonly used in everyday language than precisely. Exactly is versatile and can be used in various contexts, while precisely is more formal and less common.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between exactly and precisely?
Precisely is typically associated with a more formal tone, while exactly is more casual and conversational. Precisely is often used in technical or academic writing, while exactly is used in everyday conversation and writing.
