Which of the following best defines precise?

• A. Accurate; exact
• B. Careless or sloppy
• C. Vague or indefinite
• D. Rough or approximate

Answer: (A)

Precise means exact and clear, with details that leave no room for ambiguity. When something is described precisely, you have specific measurements or descriptions that don’t rely on guesswork. That’s why “accurate; exact” is the best fit here—it captures the idea of hitting the mark exactly and without looseness.

Think about how you might use precise language or precise measurements: a precise measurement tells you the exact value, not a rounded guess, and precise instructions specify exact steps and quantities. In contrast, terms like careless or sloppy describe a lack of care, vague or indefinite implies missing details, and rough or approximate suggests estimates that aren’t exact. These do not align with the idea of precision, which is all about exactness and clarity.