exactly
/ɪɡˈzak(t)li
/ /ɛɡˈzak(t)li/adverb
1Used to emphasize the accuracy of a figure or description: they met in 1989 and got married exactly two years later...
- The first electron micrograph in each figure shows exactly which part was examined.
- It is too painful and distressing for me to describe in detail exactly what happened.
- The brothel turned out, when I went to check it out, to be exactly as Phillip described it.
Synonyms
precisely, entirely, absolutely, completely, totally, just, quite, in every way, in every respect, one hundred per cent, every inch, to the hilt
informal on the nail, bang on, spot on, to a T
North American informal on the money
accurately, precisely, correctly, without error, without flaws, without mistakes, unerringly, faultlessly, perfectly;
verbatim, word for word, letter for letter, to the letter, literally, closely, faithfully, in every detail, with strict attention to detail
rare veridically
1.1In exact terms; without vagueness: what exactly are you looking for?...
- He doesn't pull any punches and he lets you know in no uncertain terms exactly what he wants from you.
- I'm not sure what bird it is exactly, it's definitely a raptor, and looks like a huge hawk.
- We now know exactly what Lancashire has done in terms of modernisation, and what is needed.
2Used as a reply to confirm or agree with what has just been said: ‘You mean that you’re going to tell me the truth?’ ‘Exactly.’
Synonyms
precisely, yes, right, that's right, just so, quite so, quite, indeed, absolutely, truly, certainly, definitely, assuredly, undoubtedly, indubitably, without a doubt
informal you bet, you got it, I'll say
Phrases
not exactly