What is exacting? Pronunciation and usage in English

exacting means . Learn how to pronounce and use exacting through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of exacting

exactingadjective

/ɪɡˈzæktɪŋ//ɪɡˈzæktɪŋ/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "exacting." It can be a tricky one! Here's a breakdown, with audio references if possible:

1. Syllable Breakdown:

The word "exacting" is broken into two syllables:

  • ex- (like "text")
  • act-ing (like "acting")

2. Pronunciation:

  • "ex": Pronounced like the word "text." It's a short, sharp "eh" sound.
  • "act-ing": This is the trickier part.
    • "act": Pronounced like "ack" (as in "back"). It's a clear, short "ack" sound.
    • "-ing": Pronounced like the "-ing" in "singing." It's a gliding "ing" sound, almost like you're slightly extending the vowel sound.

Putting it together: eh-ACK-ing

3. Putting it all together, it sounds like: /ɪkˈsæktɪŋ/ (This is the phonetic transcription)

4. Resources for Hearing the Pronunciation:

Tips for getting it right:

  • Don't overemphasize the "ex." It's a short syllable.
  • The “ack” in “act” is key. Don’t just say "eks."
  • Focus on the gliding “ing” at the end. It’s not a drawn-out "ing," but a smooth transition.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some example sentences to practice with?

Usage and examples with the word exacting in English

Let's break down how to use the word "exacting." It's a powerful word that describes something requiring a great deal of precision, care, or effort. Here's a breakdown of its meaning, usage, and some examples:

1. Core Meaning:

  • Strict and Demanding: At its heart, "exacting" means demanding, rigorous, and requiring a high level of accuracy or attention to detail. It often implies a sense of seriousness and a focus on perfection.
  • Relating to a Precise Standard: It’s frequently used to describe standards, rules, or expectations that are very difficult to meet.

2. How to Use It – Different Contexts:

  • Describing People:

    • “An exacting teacher”: This suggests a teacher who sets very high standards, provides detailed instructions, and expects students to perform flawlessly.
    • “An exacting judge”: A judge who is meticulous in their rulings and expects all evidence to be presented perfectly.
    • “He’s an exacting boss”: A boss who requires precision, punctuality, and a high level of quality in everything their employees do.
    • “She’s an exacting artist”: An artist known for their incredible attention to detail and a pursuit of flawless execution.

  • Describing Tasks or Processes:

    • “An exacting audit”: An audit that demands exhaustive record-keeping and rigorous analysis.
    • “The exacting requirements of the law”: The legal system’s precise rules and procedures that must be followed.
    • “An exacting mathematical proof”: A proof that requires meticulous calculations and logical deductions.
    • “The exacting nature of the job”: The job requires careful, precise work and lots of attention to detail.

  • Describing Standards or Expectations:

    • “Exacting standards”: High, demanding standards that are difficult to meet.
    • “He held exacting standards for his work.” He expected a very high level of quality.

3. Synonyms (Words with similar meanings):

  • Demanding
  • Strict
  • Rigorous
  • Precise
  • Precise
  • Detailed
  • Critical
  • Stringent

4. Antonyms (Words with opposite meanings):

  • Lenient
  • Relaxed
  • Casual
  • Easygoing

5. Examples in Sentences:

  • “The surgeon’s work was exacting, requiring unwavering concentration and steady hands.”
  • “She appreciated the exacting feedback from her mentor, believing it was essential for her growth.”
  • “The company’s exacting policies on attendance were designed to ensure efficiency.”
  • “He found the exacting nature of the research both frustrating and rewarding.”
  • "The museum curator’s exacting eye ensured that every exhibit was perfectly arranged."

6. Important Note:

"Exacting" can sometimes have a slightly negative connotation – it suggests pressure and difficulty. However, it can also imply a commitment to excellence. The context will often determine the precise shade of meaning.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to write about or say when you want to use "exacting"? (e.g., a specific situation, a character, a process?)

Synonyms for the word exacting

Practice with vocabulary exacting

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The company's quality control department is known for its ______ standards, ensuring every product meets rigorous specifications before release.
  2. Sarah's ______ attention to detail meant that she rarely missed any errors in the complex financial reports.
  3. Managing the research project with such a tight deadline and limited resources proved to be an exceptionally ______ task for the team.
  4. The professor designed the final exam to be quite ______, covering all major topics discussed throughout the semester and requiring deep analytical skills.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following describes a supervisor who consistently demands extremely high performance and strict adherence to procedures? A) lenient B) accommodating C) exacting D) forgiving

  2. A scientific experiment requiring absolute purity in samples and precise measurement can be characterized as: A) approximate B) exacting C) rigorous D) imprecise

  3. Which words best characterize a job that requires unyielding concentration and very high standards of accuracy, leaving no room for error? A) effortless B) demanding C) exacting D) straightforward

  4. The auditor conducted a ______ review of all financial records, examining every transaction and document thoroughly. A) superficial B) cursory C) comprehensive D) quick

  5. A candidate who pays close attention to every aspect of their application, ensuring all instructions are meticulously followed, demonstrates a ______ approach. A) negligent B) careless C) diligent D) haphazard

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The supervisor always expects incredibly high-quality work from her team. (Rewrite using "exacting" or a related word form.)

  2. Successfully completing the complex research project required a level of precision and attention to detail that few could maintain. (Rewrite using "exacting" or a related word form.)

  3. The new software system has very strict security protocols that are difficult to bypass. (Rewrite using a suitable replacement word for "very strict", but NOT "exacting".)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. exacting
  2. meticulous
  3. exacting
  4. challenging

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. C) exacting
  2. B) exacting, C) rigorous
  3. B) demanding, C) exacting
  4. C) comprehensive
  5. C) diligent

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The supervisor sets exacting standards for her team, expecting incredibly high-quality work.
  2. The complex research project was an exacting endeavor, requiring a level of precision and attention to detail that few could maintain.
  3. The new software system has stringent security protocols that are difficult to bypass.

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