exact
B1formal, neutral
Definition
Meaning
completely correct, accurate, and free from error.
Can also mean to demand and obtain something (typically money or an action) from someone, often forcefully. Used to describe a person as being very precise and demanding.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word emphasizes a high degree of precision and correctness, often to a fault. It can imply an uncompromising standard.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The verb sense 'to exact payment/revenge' is slightly more common in formal writing than speech in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, describing a person as 'exact' often carries a slight connotation of being overly precise or demanding.
Frequency
The adjective is high-frequency in both. The verb is mid-to-low frequency in both.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Adj: exact + noun (the exact time)Verb: exact + something + from + someone (exact revenge from his rival)Verb: exact + payment/toll/priceVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to be exact (used when giving precise information)”
- “exact change (the precise amount of money required)”
- “exact a heavy toll (to cause severe damage or suffering)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used for precise figures, deadlines, and specifications. 'We need the exact sales figures by noon.'
Academic
Common in scientific and mathematical contexts describing measurements and methodology. 'The experiment requires exact measurements of temperature.'
Everyday
Used for times, places, and amounts. 'What's the exact address for the party?'
Technical
Used in engineering and computing for specifications and tolerances. 'The components must be manufactured to exact tolerances.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The government exacted heavy taxes from the populace.
- He vowed to exact vengeance for the insult.
American English
- The mob boss exacted a payment for 'protection'.
- The storm exacted a terrible toll on the coastal town.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The exact time is three o'clock.
- I don't know the exact price.
- Can you tell me the exact location of the hotel?
- We need to know the exact number of guests.
- The witness couldn't recall his exact words.
- Archaeologists made an exact replica of the ancient vase.
- The contract was phrased in such exact terms that there was no room for misinterpretation.
- He exacted a promise from them before agreeing to help.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'EXACT' as 'EXit ACTion' – to exit an action successfully, you need to be precise and correct.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRECISION IS A SHARP TOOL / ACCURACY IS A TARGET BULLSEYE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'exactly' (точно). 'Exact' is primarily an adjective. The Russian 'экзактный' is a false friend and not standard.
- The verb 'to exact' (требовать, взыскивать) is a distinct meaning not related to 'точный'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'exact' as an adverb (e.g., 'He arrived exact at 5' – incorrect; use 'exactly').
- Confusing 'exact same' (redundant but common colloquially) with 'the same' in formal writing.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'exact' as a verb?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is considered redundant and informal. 'The same' is sufficient in formal writing, but 'the exact same' is widely used in spoken English.
'Exact' means precisely correct or identical. 'Accurate' means correct and truthful, but may allow for a small margin of error within acceptable limits (e.g., an accurate estimate).
Yes, but it is a separate, less frequent meaning meaning 'to demand and obtain' (e.g., to exact revenge, to exact a payment).
The adverb is 'exactly'. The adjective 'exact' is almost never used as an adverb.