French word

préciser

Pronunciation

IPA/pʁesize/

Meaning

  • verbclarify

Example

Peux-tu préciser ce que tu veux dire ?

Can you clarify what you mean?

Illustration for préciser (clarify)

More examples

Il faut préciser les responsabilités de chacun.

Everyone's responsibilities need to be clarified.

Core concept

A fuzzy outline becoming sharp as extra detail brings its boundaries into focus.

Common phrases

  • préciser sa pensée

    make one's thoughts clear

  • préciser les conditions

    specify the conditions

Similar words

expliquer: Explains a reason or method so it can be understood.
clarifier: Makes vague wording clear and reduces the risk of misunderstanding.
définir: Clearly states the meaning of a word or concept.
détailler: Explains key points in greater detail.

Definition in French

Donner des informations supplémentaires pour lever une ambiguïté ou préciser un détail.

Word origin

Préciser comes from French précis, from Latin praecisus, meaning 'cut short' or 'sharply defined', with the verb ending -er.

Usage tips

  • Préciser is usually transitive, as in préciser quelque chose or préciser ce que..., so the clarified detail follows the verb directly.

Other meanings

  • elaborateverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word