A2 adverb Neutral #2,000 most common 1 min read

precisamente

/pɾe.si.sa.ˈmen.te/

In an exact or precise manner.

Precisamente acts as a precision tool to highlight exactness or confirm a specific point.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • Used to indicate exactness or precision.
  • Functions as a powerful emphasis marker.
  • Commonly used to confirm or clarify statements.

Summary

Precisamente acts as a precision tool to highlight exactness or confirm a specific point.

  • Used to indicate exactness or precision.
  • Functions as a powerful emphasis marker.
  • Commonly used to confirm or clarify statements.

Use for emphasis in arguments

Start your sentence with 'Precisamente' to highlight the most important point of your argument. It grabs the listener's attention immediately.

Avoid overusing in casual speech

While useful, using it in every sentence can make you sound overly formal or robotic. Use it only when you truly need to be specific.

Common in Spanish debates

Spanish speakers often use 'Precisamente' in debates to agree strongly with a previous point. It shows you are paying close attention.

Examples

4 of 4
1

Precisamente eso es lo que iba a decir.

That is precisely what I was going to say.

2

El informe debe entregarse precisamente a las diez.

The report must be delivered precisely at ten.

3

Precisamente hoy no tenía ganas de salir.

Precisely today I didn't feel like going out.

4

La medida fue diseñada precisamente para evitar el error.

The measure was designed precisely to avoid the error.

Word Family

Noun
precisión
Verb
precisar
Adjective
preciso

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'Precision'. If you need to be precise, you use 'Precisamente'.

Visión general

'Precisamente' deriva del adjetivo 'preciso'. Su función principal es añadir precisión a una acción o estado, eliminando ambigüedades. Es una palabra muy versátil que puede modificar verbos, adjetivos o incluso oraciones completas.

Patrones de uso

Se coloca frecuentemente al principio de la frase para enfatizar un punto, o justo antes del elemento que se quiere destacar. Por ejemplo, al decir 'Precisamente eso es lo que quería', el adverbio refuerza la identidad del objeto directo.

Contextos comunes

Se emplea mucho en respuestas para confirmar información (ej. '¿Es este el libro?' 'Precisamente'), en explicaciones técnicas donde la exactitud es vital, y en el habla cotidiana para dar énfasis emocional o lógico a un argumento.

Comparación con sinónimos

Aunque 'exactamente' es casi intercambiable, 'precisamente' tiene un matiz ligeramente más formal y enfático. 'Justamente' se usa más cuando hablamos de justicia o de una coincidencia temporal, mientras que 'precisamente' se centra en la definición o la causa exacta de algo.

Usage Notes

Precisamente is a versatile adverb that works in both formal and informal registers. It is highly effective when you want to confirm a point during a conversation. Be careful not to overuse it, as it can make your speech sound repetitive.

Common Mistakes

A common mistake is using it to mean 'perhaps' or 'mostly'. It should only be used when you are 100% sure about the accuracy of your statement. Another error is placing it too far from the word it modifies.

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'Precision'. If you need to be precise, you use 'Precisamente'.

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'praecisus', meaning 'cut off' or 'shortened'. It evolved to mean 'cut to the exact size', hence the meaning of accuracy.

Cultural Context

In Spanish culture, using 'precisamente' shows that you are listening carefully and value accuracy. It is a sign of a clear and logical thinker.

Examples

1

Precisamente eso es lo que iba a decir.

everyday

That is precisely what I was going to say.

2

El informe debe entregarse precisamente a las diez.

formal

The report must be delivered precisely at ten.

3

Precisamente hoy no tenía ganas de salir.

informal

Precisely today I didn't feel like going out.

4

La medida fue diseñada precisamente para evitar el error.

academic

The measure was designed precisely to avoid the error.

Word Family

Noun
precisión
Verb
precisar
Adjective
preciso

Common Collocations

precisamente por eso precisely for that reason
precisamente en ese momento precisely at that moment
precisamente lo contrario precisely the opposite

Common Phrases

Precisamente eso

Exactly that

Precisamente por eso

Precisely for that reason

Precisamente ahora

Right now / Precisely now

Often Confused With

precisamente vs Exactamente

They are near synonyms, but 'exactamente' is more focused on mathematical or physical accuracy, while 'precisamente' is more versatile for abstract concepts.

precisamente vs Justamente

Justamente often carries a connotation of fairness or coincidence, whereas 'precisamente' is strictly about the accuracy of information.

Grammar Patterns

Precisamente + [sustantivo/pronombre] Precisamente + [verbo] Precisamente + [oración completa]

Use for emphasis in arguments

Start your sentence with 'Precisamente' to highlight the most important point of your argument. It grabs the listener's attention immediately.

Avoid overusing in casual speech

While useful, using it in every sentence can make you sound overly formal or robotic. Use it only when you truly need to be specific.

Common in Spanish debates

Spanish speakers often use 'Precisamente' in debates to agree strongly with a previous point. It shows you are paying close attention.

Test Yourself

fill blank

Completa con la palabra adecuada.

___ eso es lo que quería decir.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: Precisamente

Es la única opción que enfatiza la exactitud de la afirmación.

multiple choice

Elige el significado correcto.

¿Qué significa 'precisamente'?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: De manera exacta

La definición de precisamente siempre se vincula a la precisión y exactitud.

sentence building

Ordena la frase.

el / llegó / precisamente / momento / en / adecuado.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: Llegó precisamente en el momento adecuado

Esta estructura mantiene la coherencia gramatical y el énfasis correcto.

Score: /3

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions

En la mayoría de los casos, sí. Ambos funcionan como sinónimos, aunque 'precisamente' suele sonar un poco más enfático en contextos de argumentación.

Es poco común. Generalmente se coloca al inicio o antes del verbo para mantener la fluidez y el énfasis deseado.

Sí, a veces se usa para decir lo contrario de lo que se espera, como en 'Precisamente hoy tenía que llover', indicando mala suerte.

Es de registro neutro. Se usa tanto en conversaciones cotidianas como en documentos escritos o discursos académicos.

This Word in Other Languages

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