Pronunciation: /ɪɡˈzæktli/

Definitions of exactly

adjective precisely and accurately conforming to a standard; completely correct

Example Sentences

A1 She knew exactly what to do.

A2 I need to follow the instructions exactly.

B1 The measurements must be followed exactly.

B2 The report needs to be accurate and exactly detailed.

C1 The scientist's findings were exactly what the team had hoped for.

C2 The artist's depiction of the landscape was exactly as it appeared in real life.

adverb used to emphasize that something is done with great precision or accuracy

Example Sentences

A1 I understand exactly what you mean.

A2 She knew exactly where to find the key.

B1 The instructions were followed exactly as written.

B2 He knew exactly how to solve the problem.

C1 The project was executed exactly according to the plan.

C2 She knew exactly how to navigate through the complex legal system.

Examples of exactly in a Sentence

formal The measurements must be exactly precise for the experiment to yield accurate results.

informal I told you to meet me at 8:00 exactly, don't be late!

slang She's exactly the type of person you should avoid hanging out with.

figurative His words cut through me like a knife, hitting exactly where it hurts the most.

Grammatical Forms of exactly

past tense

exacted

plural

exactly

comparative

more exactly

superlative

most exactly

present tense

exactly

future tense

will exactly

perfect tense

have exactly

continuous tense

is exactly

singular

exactly

positive degree

exact

infinitive

to exact

gerund

exacting

participle

exact

Origin and Evolution of exactly

First Known Use: 1400 year
Language of Origin: Latin
Story behind the word: The word 'exactly' originated from the Latin word 'exactus', which means precise or accurate.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'exactly' has retained its meaning of being precise or accurate, but its usage has expanded to include emphasis on the correctness or accuracy of a statement or action.