Precise
/prɪˈsaɪs/noun
Marked by exactness and accuracy.
Did you know?The word 'precise' stems from Latin roots meaning 'to cut off', reflecting how clarity and accuracy are achieved by eliminating the irrelevant.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*kreis-
“To separate or cut.”
Latin
Latin
praecisus
“Cut off, curtailed.”
Latin
Latin
praecidere
“To cut off or sever.”
Old French
Old French
precis
“Exact, accurate.”
14th Century
Middle English
precis
“Exact or careful in detail.”
Modern English
English
precise
“Conforming closely to a standard or requirement.”