exactly

adverb

ex·​act·​ly ig-ˈzak-(t)lē 

1

a

: in a manner or measure or to a degree or number that strictly conforms to a fact or condition

it's exactly 3 o'clock

these two pieces are exactly the same size

b

: in every respect : altogether, entirely

that was exactly the wrong thing to do

not exactly what I had in mind

2

: quite so

—used to express agreement

Synonyms

• due
• full
• just
• precisely
• right
• sharp
• smack-dab
• squarely

Examples of exactly in a Sentence

The levers need to be exactly positioned.

we will meet at exactly six o'clock

Recent Examples on the Web

By defining it in terms of employee experiences, inclusion can be measured, and doing so can pinpoint what exactly is happening in an organization that impacts employees. —Paolo Gaudiano, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024

For the Bucovina Convent, trying to ascertain exactly what the great schema nun would look like was fascinating. —Liam Hess, Vogue, 23 Dec. 2024

For eager eyes anticipating his arrival, the NORAD Tracks Santa website and app are here to provide Christmas revelry by following exactly where in the world the Big Red Guy is and where his course will bring him next. —Jeff Spry, Space.com, 23 Dec. 2024

But while everyone was obsessing over Elon Musk’s posts about continuing resolutions, that’s exactly what happened. —The Editors, National Review, 23 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

exact entry 2 + -ly entry 2

First Known Use

1612, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing exactly

• my sentiments exactly
• not exactly

Kids Definition

exactly

adverb

ex·​act·​ly ig-ˈzak-(t)lē 

1

a

: in an exact manner

do exactly as you're told

b

: so as to match fact or a state

at exactly three o'clock

exactly the same size

c

: in every way : altogether

that was exactly the wrong thing to do

not exactly what I had in mind

2

: quite so : just as you say

—used to express agreement