/ prɪˈsaɪs; NAmE / adjective
1.
clear and accurate
SYN exact :
precise details / instructions / measurements
Can you give a more precise definition of the word?
I can be reasonably precise about the time of the incident.
➡ note at true
2.
[ only before noun ] used to emphasize that sth happens at a particular time or in a particular way :
We were just talking about her when, at that precise moment , she walked in.
Doctors found it hard to establish the precise nature of her illness.
3.
taking care to be exact and accurate, especially about small details
SYN meticulous :
a skilled and precise worker
small, precise movements
( disapproving )
She's rather prim and precise.
•
IDIOMS
- to be (more) precise
••
WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Old French prescis , from Latin praecis- cut short, from the verb praecidere , from prae in advance + caedere to cut.