Meanings
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1
adj
Completely correct and accurate in every detail.
The clock keeps exact time.
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2
adj
Careful and accurate; paying close attention to detail.
An engineer must be exact when measuring materials.
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3
verb
To demand and force someone to give or do something.
The empire exacted heavy taxes from the conquered people.
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Etymology
From Latin exāctus (the verb via Middle English exact), perfect passive participle of exigō (“demand, claim as due; measure by a standard, weigh, test”), from ex (“out”) + agō (“drive”).
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