exactly

Universal Words adverb 1 used to emphasize that sth is correct in every way or in every detail SYNPRECISELY: I know exactly how she felt. * Do exactly as I tell you. * It happened almost exactly a year ago. * It's exactly nine o'clock. * You haven't changed at all-you still look exactly the same. * His words had exactly the opposite effect. * Your answer is exactly right. * It was a warm day, if not exactly hot. 2 (spoken) used to ask for more information about sth: Where exactly did you stay in France? * (disapproving) Exactly what are you trying to tell me? 3 used as a reply, agreeing with what sb has just said, or emphasizing that it is correct: 'You mean somebody in this room must be the murderer?' 'Exactly.' IDIOMS not exactly (spoken) 1 used when you are saying the opposite of what you really mean: He wasn't exactly pleased to see us-in fact he refused to open the door. * It's not exactly beautiful, is it? (= it's ugly) 2 used when you are correcting sth that sb has said: 'So he told you you'd got the job?' 'Not exactly, but he said they were impressed with me.'