Meaning & use
accurate
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Meanings
adjectivecomparable
Correct, exact, and free from mistakes.
Grammar: Can stand before a noun or after linking verbs: an accurate map; the map is accurate.
Patterns
- an accurate description
- an accurate measurement
- accurate to within something
- it is accurate to say something
The brochure gives an accurate description of the hotel.
His guess of 150 guests was surprisingly accurate.
It is not accurate to say that the project failed; it simply changed direction.
adjectivecomparable
Able to hit or reach a target exactly.
Grammar: Describes people, weapons, or movements; takes 'at' for the person or thing aimed at: accurate at long range.
Patterns
- accurate at something
- an accurate shot
- accurate to within something
She is an accurate shooter even from a distance.
The new printer places the ink with pinpoint accuracy... the new drill is accurate to within half a millimeter.
He delivered an accurate pass to the striker.
adjectivecomparabletechnical
In measurement, close to the true or accepted value.
Grammar: Used in technical statements with 'to within' giving the possible error: accurate to within 0.1 percent.
Patterns
- accurate to within something
- highly accurate measurement
The sensor is accurate to within one degree.
We need a highly accurate method for measuring tiny samples.
Word forms
| comparative | more accurate |
|---|---|
| superlative | most accurate |
Common combinations
- highly accurate
- The test is highly accurate when the instructions are followed.
- accurate description
- Give us an accurate description of what you saw.
- accurate measurement
- You need an accurate measurement before cutting the wood.
- accurate to within
- The watch is accurate to within a few seconds a year.
- factually accurate
- Journalists must report only what is factually accurate.
Synonyms and how they differ
- precise
- Suggests exact, finely detailed information; a precise measurement is consistent, while an accurate one is close to the truth.
- exact
- Emphasizes being strictly correct in every detail, especially numbers or wording.
- correct
- A general word for being right; 'accurate' adds the idea of careful exactness.
Opposites
Word family
- accurately adverb
- In a correct and exact way.
- accuracy noun
- The quality of being correct and exact.
- inaccurate adjective
- Not correct; containing mistakes.
- inaccurately adverb
- In a way that contains errors.
Commonly confused: accurate or precise?
accurate vs precise
'Accurate' means close to the true value or facts; 'precise' means finely detailed or consistent between repeated attempts.
Practice
Her memory of the conversation was more ___ than his, matching the recording almost word for word.
Choose one answer.
The blank needs an adjective after 'more,' so 'accurate' fits. 'Accurately' is an adverb, 'accuracy' is a noun, and 'accrued' means built up over time.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “accurate”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.