exactly
adverbinterjectiontop 1 000 in film dialogue
- //ɪɡˈzæk(t).li//
Without approximation; precisely.
adverb
- 1
Without approximation; precisely.
Measure exactly so we can be sure it is right.
The edge is not exactly straight.
He divided the coins exactly in half.
He, that would write exactly, muſt avoid a Barbarous Pronunciation, and conſider for facility, or thorow miſtake, many words are not ſounded after the beſt dialect. Such as […] Wun, one.
- 2
Precisely, used to provide emphasis.
He did it that way exactly to prove the point.
His hair is a semilong dull red and pulled back in a sloppy pony at the base of his neck, and his face is riddled with small freckles and grease, but out here I can see personal hygiene isn't exactly at the top of the priority list.
Etymology
From exact + -ly.
interjection
- 1
Signifies agreement or recognition.
So you're saying that we have only three days left? — Yes, exactly!
Forms
- comparative
- more exactly
- superlative
- most exactly