Accurately vs. Precisely: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
"Accurately" means conforming to truth or fact, ensuring that something is exact and precise. "Precisely," on the other hand, refers to describing or doing something in exact terms, without any vagueness or ambiguity.
Key Differences
Accuracy refers to the closeness of a measurement to its true value, while precision indicates the consistency of repeated measurements. Accurate results hit the target, whereas precise results hit consistently, but not necessarily accurately.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
In everyday language, to do something accurately means to do it correctly or without error, focusing on the rightness of the outcome. Precisely, however, often refers to the exactness or specificity of how something is done or stated.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
In the realm of data and measurement, accuracy is about the correctness of the outcome, like hitting the bullseye. Precision, in contrast, is about the repeatability and consistency of measurements, regardless of their accuracy.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
When speaking or writing, being accurate means conveying information that is correct and true to reality. Being precise, however, means using words that are exact and specific, leaving little room for misunderstanding.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
In decision-making, accuracy involves making choices that are correct based on available information, whereas precision is about the detail and exactness in the process of making those choices.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
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Accurately and Precisely Definitions
Accurately
Free from errors
The scientist measured the chemicals accurately.
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Dec 06, 2023
Accurately
Correctly or precisely
He accurately predicted the outcome of the game.
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Dec 06, 2023
Precisely
Specifically or particularly
This rule applies precisely to this case.
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Dec 06, 2023
Accurately
With high fidelity to the original
She accurately replicated the painting.
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Dec 06, 2023
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Accurately
In a detailed and careful manner
The accountant accurately calculated the taxes.
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Dec 06, 2023
Accurately
Conforming to fact
He accurately described the event as it happened.
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Dec 06, 2023
Accurately
Deviating only slightly or within acceptable limits from a standard.
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Dec 05, 2023
Precisely
Used as an intensive
Inferior equipment was precisely the reason some hikers refused to continue the climb.
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Dec 05, 2023
Accurately
Capable of providing a correct reading or measurement
An accurate scale.
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Dec 05, 2023
Precisely
(manner) In a precise manner; exactly.
I always try to express myself precisely.
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Dec 05, 2023
Accurately
Acting or performing with care and precision; meticulous
An accurate proofreader.
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Dec 05, 2023
Accurately
In an accurate manner; exactly; precisely; without error or defect.
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Dec 05, 2023
Precisely
Indicating exactness or preciseness;
He was doing precisely (or exactly) what she had told him to do
It was just as he said--the jewel was gone
It has just enough salt
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Dec 05, 2023
Accurately
In an accurate manner; exactly; precisely; without error or defect.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can we use accurately and precisely interchangeably?
Not always, as they have nuanced differences in meaning.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Does precisely imply exactness?
Yes, precisely implies exactness and specificity.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Can something be precise but not accurate?
Yes, if it's consistently close to a specific point but not the true value.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
What role does accuracy play in communication?
It ensures the information shared is correct and true to reality.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Is accurately more about truth or consistency?
It's more about truth and correctness.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
How does accuracy affect research outcomes?
High accuracy ensures research findings are close to the true value.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
What does accurately mean in everyday language?
Accurately means doing something correctly, with conformity to truth or fact.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Is accuracy more about the outcome or the process?
Accuracy is more about the correctness of the outcome.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
How does precision affect data quality?
High precision ensures consistent data, but not necessarily accurate.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
What does precisely mean in measurements?
In measurements, it refers to the consistency and exactness of results.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Can a statement be precise but misleading?
Yes, if it's exact but omits important context or truths.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
What's an example of precision in everyday life?
Following a recipe with exact measurements.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
In what context is precision vital?
In contexts where exactness and detail are crucial, like scientific measurements.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
What does it mean to speak accurately?
It means conveying information that is correct and true.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Can a machine be precise but not accurate?
Yes, if it consistently produces similar results that are not correct.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Why is precision important in technical fields?
Because exactness in measurements and processes is critical.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Is precision important in decision-making?
Yes, for the detail and exactness in the decision-making process.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Does accuracy relate to truthfulness?
Yes, accuracy relates closely to truthfulness and correctness.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
How does one ensure accuracy in work?
By cross-checking and validating information or results.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Does accuracy improve reliability?
Yes, as it enhances the correctness and trustworthiness of outcomes.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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