What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
measured
Example
She gave a measured response to the criticism, carefully considering her words. [measured: adjective]
Example
He spoke in a measured tone, trying to keep his emotions in check. [measured: adjective]
precise
Example
The scientist made precise measurements of the chemical reaction. [precise: adjective]
Example
Please be precise in your instructions so that I can follow them accurately. [precise: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Precise is more commonly used than measured in technical and scientific contexts. Measured is more commonly used in social and political contexts, but it is less common than precise overall.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between measured and precise?
Both measured and precise are formal words that are appropriate for professional and academic contexts. However, precise is more commonly used in technical and scientific contexts, which may make it seem more formal than measured in those contexts.
