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Definite vs Exact - What's the difference?

definite | exact |

As adjectives the difference between definite and exact

is that definite is having distinct limits while exact is precisely agreeing with a standard, a fact, or the truth; perfectly conforming; neither exceeding nor falling short in any respect.

As a noun definite

is anything that is defined or determined.

As a verb exact is

to demand and enforce the payment or performance of.

definite

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Having distinct limits.
    • definite''' dimensions; a '''definite''' measure; a '''definite period or interval
  • * Whewell
    • Elements combine in definite proportions.
  • Free from any doubt.
    • definite knowledge
  • Determined; resolved.
    • (Shakespeare)
  • (linguistics) Designating an identified or immediately identifiable person or thing.
    • the definite article

    Antonyms

    * indefinite

    Related terms

    * definitely * definitive * unquestionable * decided * definite article

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (obsolete) Anything that is defined or determined.
    • ----

    exact

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Precisely agreeing with a standard, a fact, or the truth; perfectly conforming; neither exceeding nor falling short in any respect.
  • Habitually careful to agree with a standard, a rule, or a promise; accurate; methodical; punctual.
  • * (John Milton) (1608-1674)
    • I see thou art exact of taste.
  • * 1661 , , The Life of the most learned, reverend and pious Dr. H. Hammond
    • During the whole time of his abode in the university he generally spent thirteen hours of the day in study; by which assiduity besides an exact dispatch of the whole course of philosophy, he read over in a manner all classic authors that are extant
  • Precisely or definitely conceived or stated; strict.
  • * (William Shakespeare) (1564-1616)
    • An exact command, / Larded with many several sorts of reason.
  • (algebra, of a sequence of groups connected by homomorphisms) Such that the kernel of one homomorphism is the image of the preceding one.

    • Synonyms

    * (precisely agreeing) perfect, true, correct, precise * (precisely or definitely conceived or stated) strict * spot on

    Antonyms

    * (precisely agreeing) inexact, imprecise, approximate * (precisely or definitely conceived or stated) loose

    Derived terms

    * exactly * exactness * exact sequence

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To demand and enforce the payment or performance of.
    • to exact tribute, fees, or obedience
  • * Bible, Luke iii. 13
    • He said into them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.
  • To make desirable or necessary.
  • * Massinger
    • My designs exact me in another place.
  • To forcibly obtain or produce.
    • to exact revenge

    Derived terms

    * exactable * exacter * exacting * exactor

    External links

    * * * 1000 English basic words ----