exact

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   marked by strict and particular and complete accordance with fact

   an exact mind

2. 2
   adj

   Precisely agreeing with a standard, a fact, or the truth; perfectly conforming; neither exceeding nor falling short in any respect.

   The clock keeps exact time.

3. 3
   adj

   Habitually careful to agree with a standard, a rule, or a promise; accurate; methodical; punctual.

   a man exact in observing an appointment

4. 4
   adj

   Precisely or definitely conceived or stated; strict.

   An exact command, Larded with many several sorts of reason.

5. 5
   verb

   To demand and enforce the payment or performance of, sometimes in a forcible or imperious way.

   to exact tribute, fees, or obedience from someone

6. 6
   verb

   To make desirable or necessary.

   I vvait, Madam, / To knovv vvhat your commands are; my deſignes / Exact me in another place.

7. 7
   verb

   To inflict; to forcibly obtain or produce; to visit.

   to exact revenge on someone

8. 8
   adv

   exactly

   She's wearing the exact same sweater as I am!

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”).