What is exactly? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of exactly

exactlyadverb

/ɪɡˈzak(t)li//ɛɡˈzak(t)li/
Definition & pronunciation of exactly

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "exactly" in English. It's a tricky one for some learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables:

"Exactly" is typically pronounced in two syllables: ex-ACT-ly

2. Pronunciation Breakdown:

  • "Ex": This sounds like "eks" - like the beginning of "example." It's a short, crisp "eks."

  • "ACT": This is the trickiest part. It's pronounced like "ack," but with a slightly emphasized "t" sound at the end. Think of the word "attack" but without the "t" at the end. It's a quick, sharp syllable.

  • "ly": This is pronounced like "lee."

3. Putting it Together:

So, it's roughly: eks-ACK-lee

4. Tips & Nuances:

  • Stress: The stress is on the second syllable ("ACK"). This is what makes it different from "ex-act."

  • Don't add an extra "t" sound at the end: Many people (especially non-native speakers) tend to add a slight "t" sound to the end of “exactly”. Don’t do this! “Exactly” should sound like “eks-ACK-lee”.

  • Listen to examples: The best way to get it right is to hear it pronounced. Here are some resources:

    • Google Translate: Type "exactly" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon - it will pronounce it.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/exactly/ – This website offers audio pronunciations from native speakers.
    • YouTube: Search YouTube for "how to pronounce exactly" – you’ll find many videos demonstrating the pronunciation.

To summarize, focus on "eks-ACK-lee" and remember to keep the "t" sound short and sharp in the "ACK" syllable.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you more examples of words with similar sounds?

Usage and examples with the word exactly in English

Let's break down how to use "exactly" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different nuances. Here's a breakdown of its common uses, with examples:

1. To Indicate Complete Agreement or Precision:

  • Most Common Use: This is where you use "exactly" to show you completely agree with something someone said.
    • Example: "Is that blue?" "Exactly!" (You're confirming it is blue and are pleased with the answer.)
    • Example: "I need 10 apples." "Exactly, here you go." (You're confirming the quantity.)
    • Example: "The temperature is 25 degrees Celsius." "Exactly, that's what the thermometer read."

2. To Indicate Precise Measurement or Quantity:

  • Describing a quantity: "Exactly" is used to state a precise amount.
    • Example: “The book weighs exactly 500 grams.”
    • Example: “She ran exactly 10 kilometers.”

3. To Emphasize Similarity or Correspondence:

  • Highlighting a perfect match: It can emphasize that two things are identical.
    • Example: "That's the same book I was talking about, exactly." (Meaning it’s the very same book.)
    • Example: "This picture is exactly like the one in the magazine." (Perfect likeness)

4. As an Interjection (Short, emphatic response):

  • Sometimes, "exactly" is used as a short, immediate response to reinforce a point. It's a bit more informal.
    • Example: "I want a pizza with pepperoni and mushrooms." "Exactly!" (A quick, enthusiastic agreement.)

Important Nuances & Considerations:

  • Formal vs. Informal: "Exactly" is generally considered more formal than "right" or "yes." While it’s perfectly acceptable in most situations, using "right" or "yes" might feel more natural in casual conversation.

  • Overuse: Be careful not to overuse "exactly." Too much repetition can make your speech sound stilted.

  • Alternatives: Depending on the context, you might be able to use words like:

    • Precisely: (More formal, emphasizes accuracy) – “The clock struck exactly 3:00.”
    • Precisely: (for measurement) - “The star is exactly 10 light-years away.”
    • Right: (More casual agreement) – “Are you coming?” “Right!”
    • Yep: (Very informal) – “Is it raining?” “Yep!”

Let's test your understanding! Can you create a sentence using "exactly" in one of the ways described above?

Synonyms for the word exactly

Idioms of the word exactly

not exactly
used when you are saying the opposite of what you really mean
  • He wasn't exactly pleased to see us—in fact he refused to open the door.
  • It's not exactly beautiful, is it? (= it's ugly)
used when you are correcting something that somebody has said
  • ‘So he told you you'd got the job?’ ‘Not exactly, but he said they were impressed with me.’

Practice with vocabulary exactly

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. To ensure data integrity, the figures must match the source documents ______.
  2. The estimated cost of the project is ______ $1.5 million, though final figures are still pending.
  3. We need to arrive at the conference venue ______ at 9:00 AM to register before the keynote speech.
  4. To avoid misunderstandings, please articulate your requirements very ______.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. We need to verify if the experimental results correspond ______ with the theoretical predictions. A) vaguely B) exactly C) generally D) precisely

  2. Is that ______ what you meant when you said we should prioritize efficiency? A) almost B) exactly C) nearly D) somehow

  3. To replicate the conditions for the next phase of the study, we must follow the original protocol ______. A) loosely B) exactly C) intuitively D) accurately

  4. The project timeline is still being finalized, but we anticipate it will take ______ five months to complete. A) approximately B) suddenly C) utterly D) firmly

  5. While we don't have all the details yet, the general consensus is ______ positive regarding the new proposal. A) vaguely B) entirely C) broadly D) largely

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Rewrite the sentence to emphasize that the version is the correct and precise one: Could you confirm that this is the final version we agreed upon?

  2. Rewrite the sentence to highlight the precision of the budget allocation, using "exactly" or a related word form: The budget allocates funds to the penny for each department's operational costs.

  3. Rewrite the sentence without using "exactly," choosing a suitable replacement word to convey the idea of timeliness: The meeting concluded on time as planned.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. To ensure data integrity, the figures must match the source documents exactly.
  2. The estimated cost of the project is approximately $1.5 million, though final figures are still pending.
  3. We need to arrive at the conference venue exactly at 9:00 AM to register before the keynote speech.
  4. To avoid misunderstandings, please articulate your requirements very clearly.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. B) exactly, D) precisely
  2. B) exactly
  3. B) exactly, D) accurately
  4. A) approximately
  5. C) broadly, D) largely

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Could you confirm that this is exactly the final version we agreed upon?
  2. The budget allocates funds exactly to the penny for each department's operational costs.
  3. The meeting concluded punctually as planned.

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