Exactly Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary

Exactly Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary The Britannica Dictionary mobile search Home Ask the Editor Word of the Day Quizzes Core Vocabulary Browse the Dictionary × Britannica Homepage Ask the Editor Word of the Day Quizzes Core Vocabulary Browse the Dictionary The Britannica Dictionary exactly 1 ENTRIES FOUND: exactly (adverb) exactly /ɪgˈzæktli/ adverb exactly /ɪgˈzæktli/ adverb Britannica Dictionary definition of EXACTLY [more exactly; most exactly] 1  — used to stress that something is accurate, complete, or correct The mansion has exactly 33 rooms. I know exactly where they went. The two rooms are exactly the same size. When exactly are they supposed to arrive? = Exactly when are they supposed to arrive? [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 2  informal — used in speech to say that what someone has said is exactly correct or that you agree with it completely “So you think we should take an earlier flight?” “Exactly.” [=yes, that's exactly what I think] “It's just not worth the trouble.” “Exactly.” [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples — see also not exactly (below) 3  : in a correct or precise way The levers need to be exactly positioned. [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples : in a way that agrees completely with what is needed You need to do exactly [=just, precisely] as you're told. [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 4  : in every way That was exactly the wrong thing to do. He is exactly what a good student ought to be. [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples not exactly informal 1  — used in speech as a mild way of saying “no” especially to indicate that what someone has said is not completely correct or true “He's your boss, isn't he?” “Not exactly.” “Did everything go the way you planned it?” “Not exactly.” [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 2  — used as a humorous or ironic way to say “not” He's not exactly the smartest guy I've ever met. [=he is not very smart] [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples ASK THE EDITOR What are the plural forms of check-in, passerby, and spoonful? See the answer » QUIZZES Vocabulary Quiz Test your word power Take the Quiz » Name That Thing Take our visual quiz Test Your Knowledge » WORD OF THE DAY panorama : a full and wide view of something Learn More » About Us & Legal Info Contact Us Privacy Notice Terms of Use Pronunciation Symbols Help d="M0 12c0 5.123 3.211 9.497 7.73 11.218-.11-.937-.227-2.482.025-3.566.217-.932 1.401-5.938 1.401-5.938s-.357-.715-.357-1.774c0-1.66.962-2.9 2.161-2.9 1.02 0 1.512.765 1.512 1.682 0 1.025-.653 2.557-.99 3.978-.281 1.189.597 2.159 1.769 2.159 2.123 0 3.756-2.239 3.756-5.471 0-2.861-2.056-4.86-4.991-4.86-3.398 0-5.393 2.549-5.393 5.184 0 1.027.395 2.127.889 2.726a.36.36 0 0 1 .083.343c-.091.378-.293 1.189-.332 1.355-.053.218-.173.265-.4.159-1.492-.694-2.424-2.875-2.424-4.627 0-3.769 2.737-7.229 7.892-7.229 4.144 0 7.365 2.953 7.365 6.899 0 4.117-2.595 7.431-6.199 7.431-1.211 0-2.348-.63-2.738-1.373 0 0-.599 2.282-.744 2.84-.282 1.084-1.064 2.456-1.549 3.235C9.584 23.815 10.77 24 12 24c6.627 0 12-5.373 12-12S18.627 0 12 0 0 5.373 0 12"> © 2026 Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.