exact

Completely correct, with no difference from the real number, size, fact, or thing.

• Please give me the exact amount.
• This is an exact copy of the original.
• Do you know the exact time she arrived?

Similar words: precise, accurate

Opposites: inexact, approximate

Common phrases: exact amount, exact copy, exact time

Clearly stated or understood, leaving no doubt about what is meant.

• The exact meaning is unclear.
• I cannot remember her exact wording.
• He explained the exact nature of the problem.

Similar words: precise, specific, definite

Opposites: vague

Common phrases: exact meaning, exact wording, exact nature

Very careful to follow rules, keep promises, or do things correctly and on time.

• He was exact in all his duties.
• She remained exact in observing the rules.
• An exact observer of tradition, he followed every custom.

How to use it: exact in doing something (She was exact in keeping her promises.)

Similar words: meticulous, punctilious, methodical

Opposites: careless

Common phrases: exact in something, an exact observer

To demand a payment or an action and make sure it is given or done.

• The king exacted tribute from every village.
• The authorities exacted a heavy tax.
• The commander exacts complete obedience from his soldiers.

How to use it: exact something from someone (The ruler exacted tribute from neighbouring towns.)

Similar words: demand, require

Common phrases: exact payment, exact tribute, exact obedience

To cause someone to suffer as punishment or as a way of getting revenge.

• He vowed to exact revenge.
• The rebels exacted vengeance on their enemies.
• She exacted revenge for years of mistreatment.

How to use it: exact revenge on someone (He planned to exact revenge on his former partner.); exact revenge for something (She wanted to exact revenge for the betrayal.)

Similar words: inflict

Common phrases: exact revenge, exact vengeance

To get something from someone by using force or strong pressure.

• They exacted a confession from the prisoner.
• The gang exacted promises of silence.
• Threats were used to exact information from witnesses.

How to use it: exact something from someone (The captors exacted a promise from the prisoner.)

Similar words: extort, extract

Common phrases: exact a confession, exact a promise

To make something needed or wanted.

• Such delicate work exacts great care.
• The difficult circumstances exacted unusual patience.
• A task of this kind exacts close attention.

Similar words: require, necessitate

Common phrases: exact great care, exact close attention

With no difference at all; used especially before same.

• We bought the exact same shoes.
• They arrived at the exact same time.
• Is that the exact same colour as yours?

Similar words: exactly, precisely

Common phrases: exact same thing, exact same time, exact same place