exactly
Translation
exactly, precisely
Examples
It's exactly three o'clock.
It's exactly three o'clock.
Exactly! That's what I think.
Exactly! That's what I think.
Grammar Patterns
exactly + [quantity/time] (used to emphasize precision) It's exactly three o'clock.
Exactly! (used to show agreement) Exactly! That's what I think.
Similar Words
Synonyms: precisely, accurately; Antonyms: approximately, roughly
Etymology
From Latin 'exactus' (precise), from 'ex-' (out) and 'agere' (to do), meaning to perform something precisely.
Memory Tips
Think of the adjective 'exact'. 'Exactly' is simply the adverb form, describing an action done in an exact way.