Spanish Conversation · Level 187
15 words
Spanish word
precisar
Pronunciation
IPA/pɾeθiˈsaɾ/
Meaning
- verbclarify
Example
Necesito que precises la hora.
I need you to clarify the time.
More examples
Para planificar bien, debemos precisar la fecha del evento.
To plan well, we must determine the date of the event.
Core concept
Sharpening a vague statement to a single exact point.
Common phrases
precisar la fecha
determine the date
precisar detalles
clarify details
precisar exactamente
determine exactly
Similar words
aclarar: Answers specific doubts or questions to render the matter clear.
definir: Defines the precise meaning or limits of a concept or term.
especificar: Specifies detailed items or requirements for a situation.
concretar: Concretizes plans by specifying the steps or arrangements.
Definition in Spanish
Tener necesidad de algo, especialmente con la construcción 'precisar de', y en otro uso significar hacer exacto o especificar.
Word origin
From medieval Latin precisare and ultimately Latin precisus 'cut short', originally meaning to cut away excess and later extending to a 'need' sense in phrases like precisar de.
Usage tips
- The adjective preciso means 'exact', but the verb precisar often means 'to specify', and with de it commonly means 'to need', which differs from English usage.