precise definition

1. Having determinate limitations; exactly or sharply defined or stated; definite; exact; nice; not vague or equivocal; as, precise rules of morality. "The law in this point is not precise." (Bacon) "For the hour precise Exacts our parting hence." (Milton)

2. Strictly adhering or conforming to rule; very nice or exact; punctilious in conduct or ceremony; formal; ceremonious. "He was ever precise in promise-keeping." (Shak)

Synonyms: Accurate, exact, definite, correct, scrupulous, punctilious, particular, nice, formal. See Accurate.

Precise"ly, Precise"ness.

Origin: L. Praecisus cut off, brief, concise, p. P. Of praecidere to cut off in front, to cut off; prae = before + caedere to cut: cf. F. Precis. Cf. Concise.

(01 Mar 1998)