Exactly means precisely, without a difference from the stated amount or detail.

The idea

Say exactly nine for a precise time, exactly three for a number and exactly the same for a complete match. A question such as where exactly? requests precision.

Examples

  • The meeting starts at exactly nine.
  • The journey took exactly two hours.
  • What exactly does this word mean?
  • We need exactly three chairs.
  • The two boxes are exactly the same size.
  • Please tell me exactly where the station is.

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Watch out

Exactly three is not the same claim as about three: the latter is approximate.

Try it yourself

  1. Choose the word for precise time. The meeting starts at nine, neither earlier nor later: it starts ___ nine. (exactly / about)

    Show answer or example answer

    exactly

    Exactly indicates the stated time without rounding.

  2. Identify the exact count. We need exactly three chairs. Is four the stated number? (no / yes)

    Show answer or example answer

    no

    An exact count of three excludes two or four.

  3. Choose the approximate expression. Which expression describes an approximate number? (about three / exactly three)

    Show answer or example answer

    about three

    About describes an approximation rather than an exact claim.

Use it today

Ask exactly where a place is, then describe an exact number or time.