exactly

exactly
adverb
1 used to emphasize that a particular number, amount, or piece of information is completely correct: We were wearing exactly the same clothes. | It's exactly half past five. | exactly where/what/when etc: Tell me exactly what he said. | Exactly where does Petra live?
2 used to emphasize a statement: He gave exactly the reply they wanted to hear. | That's exactly what we've been trying to tell you.
3 exactly used as a reply to show that you think what someone has said is completely correct or true: “So you think we should sell the house and move to the country?” “Exactly.”
4 not exactly
a) used as a reply to show that you think that what someone has said is not completely correct or true: “You hate Lee, don't you?” “Not exactly. I just think he's a bit annoying that's all.”
b) used when you say the opposite of what you mean, either as a humorous remark, or to show that you are annoyed: Imagine calling me fat! I mean, she's not exactly thin herself, is she? | I wouldn't bother asking Dave, he's not exactly Einstein, is he?
5 why/what/where etc exactly...? used when asking someone to tell you the exact place, reason, thing etc: Where exactly did you stay in Portugal?
6 I don't know exactly/I don't exactly know used to say that you are not sure about something: “What does he want?” “I don't know exactly, but he said it's really urgent.”
7 that's exactly what.... used to say that what someone has said, done etc is exactly the same as what you or another person said, did etc: “I don't think he should leave his job.” “That's exactly what I told him yesterday.”

Longman dictionary of contemporary English. 2004.

Игры ⚽ Нужен реферат?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Exactly — Ex*act ly, adv. In an exact manner; precisely according to a rule, standard, or fact; accurately; strictly; correctly; nicely. Exactly wrought. Shak. [1913 Webster] His enemies were pleased, for he had acted exactly as their interests required.… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • exactly — index faithfully Burton s Legal Thesaurus. William C. Burton. 2006 …   Law dictionary

  • exactly — 1530s, from EXACT (Cf. exact) + LY (Cf. ly) (2). Elliptical use for quite right not recorded before 1869 …   Etymology dictionary

  • exactly — [adv] accurately, particularly absolutely, altogether, bang*, carefully, completely, correctly, definitely, explicitly, expressly, faithfully, faultlessly, for a fact, for certain, for sure*, indeed, in every respect, just, literally,… …   New thesaurus

  • exactly — ► ADVERB 1) in exact terms. 2) used to confirm or agree with what has just been said …   English terms dictionary

  • exactly — [eg zakt′lē, igzakt′lē] adv. in an exact manner; accurately; correctly; precisely: also used as an affirmative reply, equivalent to “I agree,” “quite true” …   English World dictionary

  • exactly — [[t]ɪgzæ̱ktli[/t]] ♦♦♦ 1) ADV: usu ADV num, also ADV prep/adv (emphasis) You use exactly before an amount, number, or position to emphasize that it is no more, no less, or no different from what you are stating. Each corner had a guard tower,… …   English dictionary

  • exactly — ex|act|ly W2S1 [ıgˈzæktli] adv 1.) used to emphasize that a number, amount, or piece of information is or should be completely correct in every detail ▪ It s exactly half past five. ▪ The figures may not be exactly right, but they re close enough …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • exactly — ex|act|ly [ ıg zæktli ] adverb *** 1. ) no more and no less than a particular amount or time: PRECISELY: It s exactly three o clock. The wood should measure five centimeters exactly. 2. ) in every way or every detail: The house is exactly the… …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • exactly*/*/*/ — [ɪgˈzæk(t)li] adv 1) no more and no less than a particular amount or time Syn: precisely It s exactly three o clock.[/ex] The wood should measure five centimetres exactly.[/ex] 2) in every way, or in every detail Syn: just She sounds exactly like …   Dictionary for writing and speaking English

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
… Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”