Skip to the word

Added 9 October 2026

exact

/ɪɡˈzækt/ adjective

In Latin: exactus Wiktionary

adjective Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about exact at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

Precisely agreeing with a standard, a fact, or the truth; perfectly conforming; neither exceeding nor falling short in any respect.
The clock keeps exact time.
Habitually careful to agree with a standard, a rule, or a promise; accurate; methodical; punctual.
a man exact in observing an appointment
Precisely or definitely conceived or stated; strict.

verb

To demand and enforce the payment or performance of, sometimes in a forcible or imperious way.
to exact tribute, fees, or obedience from someone
To make desirable or necessary.
To inflict; to forcibly obtain or produce; to visit.
to exact revenge on someone

Origin

From Latin exāctus (the verb via Middle English exact), perfect passive participle of exigō (“demand, claim as due; measure by a standard, weigh, test”), from ex (“out”) + agō (“drive”).

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

Back to today's word