What does “exactly” mean?
- 1
adverbcompletely correct, with no difference at all
The train left at exactly 9:15.
- 2
adverbused as a reply to strongly agree with someone
“So we need more time?” “Exactly.”
Exactly at a glance
- Part of speech
- adverb
- CEFR level
- A2 (elementary)
- Pronunciation
- /ɪɡˈzæktli/ · ig-ZAKT-lee
How to use “exactly” correctly
“Not exactly” is a polite way to say “no”: “Was the movie good?” “Not exactly.”
Common phrases with “exactly”
- exactly the same
- not exactly
- exactly what
Synonyms, opposites and related words
Synonyms (similar meaning)
- precisely
- just
Antonyms (opposite meaning)
- roughly
- approximately
Word family
- exact
- exactness
“exactly” is on these word lists
Learn these words next
- actually adverbA2used to say what is really true, often when it is surprising
- else adverbA2in addition to or different from the person, thing or place already mentioned
- especially adverbA2more than usual or more than others; in particular
- even adverbA2used to show that something is surprising or more than expected
- instead adverbA2in place of someone or something else
- quite adverbA2fairly, more than a little but not very
- also adverbA1in addition; as well
- how adverbA1used to ask about the way something is done or happens