Exacting
/ɪɡˈzæk.tɪŋ/noun
Demanding a great deal of effort, care, or precision.
Did you know?The word ultimately comes from Latin *exigere*, “to drive out” or “demand,” the same root behind *exile* and *exact*—so this family of words began with force, removal, and hard demands.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ag-
“to drive, lead”
Latin
Latin
exigĕre
“to drive out, demand, exact”
Late Latin
Latin
exactus
“demanded, precise, finished”
Old French
Old French
exact
“precise, strict, required”
Middle English
English
exacting
“demanding, severe in requirements”
Modern English
English
exacting
“requiring much care, effort, or attention”