exact

[ig-zakt]

adjective

1. strictly accurate or correct.

   an exact likeness; an exact description.

   Antonyms: imprecise

2. precise, as opposed to approximate.

   the exact sum; the exact date.

   Antonyms: imprecise

3. admitting of no deviation, as laws or discipline; strict or rigorous.

   Synonyms: unbending, severe, rigid

4. capable of the greatest precision.

   exact instruments.

5. characterized by or using strict accuracy.

   an exact thinker.

   Synonyms: scrupulous, demanding, punctilious, careful, methodical

6. Mathematics.,  (of a differential equation) noting that the collection of all terms, equated to zero, is an exact differential.

verb (used with object)

1. to call for, demand, or require.

   to exact respect from one's children.

2. to force or compel the payment, yielding, or performance of.

   to exact money; to exact tribute from a conquered people.

   Synonyms: wring

exact

/ ɪɡˈzækt /

adjective

1. correct in every detail; strictly accurate

   an exact copy

2. precise, as opposed to approximate; neither more nor less

   the exact sum

3. (prenominal) specific; particular

   this exact spot

4. operating with very great precision

   exact instruments

5. allowing no deviation from a standard; rigorous; strict

   an exact mind

6. based mainly on measurement and the formulation of laws, as opposed to description and classification

   physics is an exact science

verb

1. to force or compel (payment or performance); extort

   to exact tribute

2. to demand as a right; insist upon

   to exact respect from one's employees

3. to call for or require

   this work exacts careful effort

Other Word Forms

• exactable adjective
• exacter noun
• exactor noun
• exactness noun
• nonexactable adjective
• preexact adjective
• quasi-exact adjective
• quasi-exactly adverb
• unexacted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of exact¹

First recorded in 1525–45; late Middle English exacten (verb), from Latin exāctus (past participle of exigere “drive out, thrust out”), equivalent to ex- ex- ¹ + ag(ere) “to drive” + -tus past participle suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of exact¹

C16: from Latin exactus driven out, from exigere to drive forth, from agere to drive

Synonym Study

See extract.

Example Sentences

American veteran Riggs beat Australia's Margaret Court before King exacted revenge four months later.

From BBC

The iconic chef represented the type of presenter Burrell was drawn to: exuberant, exacting, joyful in her pedagogy.

From Salon

The exact age of the tree on Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland has been a matter of debate, with the date of its planting put in the late 1800s.

From BBC

While Sid the Cat Auditorium hasn’t set its exact opening date, nor booked its lineup of shows, the team estimates construction is about 85% finished.

From Los Angeles Times

Pridmore attended the meeting and afterwards, said: "We haven't got anything to apologise for, and we stand by the coverage we produced. It's the exact same coverage we provide on any council in our patch."

From BBC

Related Words

• accurate 
• correct 
• definite 
• explicit 
• identical 
• literal 
• perfect 
• rigorous 
• specific 
• true