exact
/ɪɡˈzækt/
adjective
Origin
Latin
exigere — to drive out, to demand, to exact, to measure
Overview
Meaning Now
- Precisely accurate, correct, or strictly defined.
- Characterized by accurate measurement or meticulous attention to detail.
Literal older meaning
driven out; forcibly demanded
Language path
Latin → Middle French → English
Earliest form
exactus
Earliest period
16th century
Journey
The word evolved from the Latin 'exigere', which meant to drive something out or to collect payment. Over time, the sense of 'measuring' or 'demanding' shifted towards the state of being perfectly measured or 'exact'.
Evolution
- Latin
exigere
“to drive out, finish, or demand payment”
Compound of ex- (out) + agere (to drive/do).
- Late Latin
exactus
“finished, precise, or demanded”
- Middle French
exact
“precise, accurate”
- Early Modern English
exact
“precise or strict”
Connections
Word parts
ex-
prefix
out
act
root
driven or done
Related across languages
French
exact
Spanish
exacto
exact
Related words
Explore next
Related to exact
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.