French Conversation · Level 92
60 words
French word
précisément
Pronunciation
IPA/pʁesizemɑ̃/
Meaning
- adverbexactly
Example
Explique-moi précisément ce qui s'est passé.
Tell me exactly what happened.
More examples
Je ne peux pas te dire précisément pourquoi.
I can't tell you precisely why.
Core concept
A fact or detail lands exactly on the point marked by a description or expectation.
Common phrases
indiquer précisément
indicate precisely
comprendre précisément
understand precisely
définir précisément
define precisely
Similar words
exactement: In a way that matches a number or part exactly.
justement: Used to agree that something is exactly as stated.
tout à fait: Used to strongly emphasize that something is completely true.
Definition in French
Sert à confirmer qu'une chose correspond exactement à ce qui est attendu ou décrit.
Word origin
Précisément is formed from French précis with the adverbial suffix -ément, and précis comes from Latin praecisus, meaning 'cut off' or 'abridged'.
Usage tips
- At the start of a reply, Précisément ! strongly confirms that the preceding statement is exactly right.
Other meanings
- justadverb
Opposites
- approximativementapproximatelyadverb
- grossièrementroughlyadverb