Precisely meaning in English

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Definition

precisely: exactly, absolutely, specifically adverb
That's precisely the point that I have been arguing!
Is it 3:00 p.m.? -It's 3:00 p.m. precisely.
precise: exact, specific, particular adjective
precision: accuracy, exactness noun

UK: Please tell me precisely why you want to join the circus.
US: I can't give you a precise answer: it's just a feeling I have.

Examples

  • "Miss Fiona Stake is an efficiency expert (a consultant to be precise), hired by Bruno at the request of several Delavigne Corp investors who are concerned about the efficiency of our staff."
  • "I'm here because two European tourists - Dutch to be precise - have been taken hostage by pirates."
  • "And carbon dating gives us a precise idea of when these beasts did actually exist."
  • "I'm calling an emergency meeting for tomorrow (Friday the 13th) first thing in the morning (8:15 am to be precise)."
  • "Sheriff Joan Wayne to be precise."
  • "Janine : Precisely Brent."
  • "Moira : Speaking of Mexico, or more precisely the Gulf of Mexico, an earthquake struck the west coast of central Florida last night."
Exercise 1
Susan says that she is "British actually".
Find the synonym for "actually" from the choices below:
Susan says that she is "British actually".
Find the synonym for "actually" from the choices below:
"Presently" means "currently" or "now". The term describes the time an action takes place. It should not be confused with "actually".
"Precisely" means "exactly" or "specifically". This term doesn't express the same meaning as "actually", the term which Susie uses.
Harold asks Susie if she has an Irish accent, but she is "actually" British. In English, the term "actually" is synonymous with "really" or "in fact".
"Currently" means "presently" or "now". The term describes the time an action takes place. It should not be confused with "actually".
Exercise 2
Listen to the audio clip and find the synonym for "actually" from the choices below.
Listen to the audio clip and find the synonym for "actually" from the choices below.
"Precisely" means "exactly" or "specifically". This term doesn't express the same meaning as "actually", the term which Susie uses. Generally it is used to confirm something someone has just said. Example: "I am doing precisely what you told me to do".
Harold asks Susie if she has an Irish accent, but she says that it is "actually" British. In English, the term "actually" is synonymous with "really" or "in fact".
Often confused with "actually" by non-native speakers, "currently" refers to something occurring "presently" or "at the time of speaking". It's not what Susan means when she says "British, actually".

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