precision
pri-SIZH-un
/prɪˈsɪʒən/
The quality, condition, or fact of being exact and accurate.
In racing, precision is hitting the same 'apex' (the middle of a corner) lap after lap within centimeters.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'praecidere,' meaning 'to cut off in front' or 'to shorten.' It implies cutting away all the unnecessary parts until only the exact truth remains.
Word relationships
- exactness: Exactness is the state of being correct; precision is the level of detail or repeatability.
- imprecision: Lack of exactness.
- vagueness: Lack of clarity or specific detail.
Commonly confused with
- accuracy: Accuracy is how close you are to the truth; precision is how consistent your results are.
Word family
- precise (adjective): Exact and accurate.
- precisely (adverb): In an exact manner.
Collocations
- surgical precision
- high precision
- precision engineering
Example sentences
- "His driving was a masterclass in precision and control." Driver profile
- "Precision beats power, and timing beats speed." Sports quote (Conor McGregor)
Memory hook
Pre-Decision: You need precision before you make a decision in a turn. Cut to the exact point.
When not to use
Don't confuse with 'accuracy'; accuracy is hitting the target, precision is hitting the same spot repeatedly.
Fun facts
- In the 18th century, 'precision' was often used to describe religious puritans who were 'precise' in their following of rules.
Explore more words
accuracy, replicate, replicable, rigorous, meticulous, calibrate
Also appears in
- Engineering & Industrial Design → Quality Assurance & Tolerances
- Food Science & Culinary Craft → Culinary Tools & Equipment
- Sports, Athletics & Recreation → Winter & Ice Sports
- Sports, Athletics & Recreation → Racket & Court Sports
- Sports, Athletics & Recreation → Gymnastics & Acrobatics
- Physical Sciences & Cosmology → Laboratory Apparatus
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.