exactly

[ig-zakt-lee]

adverb

1. in an exact manner; precisely; accurately.

2. in every respect; just.

   He will do exactly what he wants.

3. quite so; that's right.

exactly

/ ɪɡˈzæktlɪ /

adverb

1. in an exact manner; accurately or precisely

2. in every respect; just

   it is exactly what I want

3. ironic,  not at all; by no means

1. just so! precisely!

Word History and Origins

Origin of exactly¹

First recorded in 1525–35; exact + -ly

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. not exactly,

   1. in no way; not at all.

      It’s not exactly funny, is it?

   2. not completely so, but nearly so.

      The burgers are not exactly raw, but they need more cooking.

   3. (as an ironic response) no.

      “Is that the jacket you ordered?” “Not exactly.”

Example Sentences

Then I was confused - what exactly was he accused of doing?

From BBC

This remains the case when Andy encounters the slimy remains of Rook, the derelict vessel’s android science officer who looks exactly like Ash, the series’ first android traitor introduced in 1979’s “Alien.”

From Salon

And, yet, here we are still trying to work out exactly what to expect from his Three Lions team.

From BBC

That’s not exactly encouraging news since Colorado’s collection of prospects ranks in the bottom seven in baseball in multiple surveys.

From Los Angeles Times

My query to the White House, asking what exactly is so offensive about this characterization of the Mexicans who stayed in California after it became part of the U.S., was acknowledged yet not answered.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• absolutely 
• altogether 
• carefully 
• completely 
• correctly www.thesaurus.com
• definitely 
• explicitly 
• indeed 
• literally 
• precisely 
• quite 
• specifically 
• strictly 
• totally 
• truly