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A2 adjective #1,500 most common 14 min read

précis

Top 1,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips précis in 30 Seconds

Explanation précis in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'précis' means 'exact' or 'precise'. It is a word you use when you want to talk about things that are very specific, like the exact time or a specific place. For example, if you are meeting a friend, you might want to know the 'heure précise' (exact time) so you are not late. The word is an adjective, which means it describes a noun. In French, adjectives usually come after the noun. So, you say 'un lieu précis' (a precise place), not 'un précis lieu'. You also need to know that the spelling changes depending on whether the word it describes is masculine or feminine. For a masculine word like 'un détail' (a detail), you use 'précis'. For a feminine word like 'une heure' (an hour/time), you add an 'e' to the end and write 'précise'. The pronunciation also changes. When you say 'précis', you do not pronounce the 's' at the end. It sounds like 'pray-see'. But when you say 'précise', you do pronounce the 's' like a 'z'. It sounds like 'pray-seez'. This is very important for speaking correctly. You will often hear this word when people are giving directions, talking about schedules, or asking for specific information. It is a very useful word for everyday situations when you need to be clear and avoid confusion.

At the A2 level, your understanding of 'précis' expands to include more everyday contexts and basic grammar rules. You know that 'précis' means 'precise' or 'specific'. You use it when you need exact information, like 'une adresse précise' (a specific address) or 'un prix précis' (an exact price). You are now comfortable with the gender agreement: 'précis' for masculine singular, 'précise' for feminine singular. You also learn the plural forms. Because the masculine singular 'précis' already ends in an 's', the masculine plural stays exactly the same: 'des détails précis'. For the feminine plural, you add an 's' to the feminine singular form: 'des heures précises'. You start using 'précis' with the verb 'être' (to be) to describe things or people. For example, 'Ce thermomètre est très précis' (This thermometer is very precise) or 'Elle est précise dans son travail' (She is precise in her work). You also learn useful phrases like 'à midi précis' (at exactly noon), which is very common when making appointments. At this level, you understand that asking someone to be 'plus précis' (more precise) is a polite way to ask for more details if you do not understand something. You are beginning to see how 'précis' helps make your communication clearer and more effective in daily life.

At the B1 level, you use 'précis' more fluidly and in a wider variety of contexts, including professional and abstract situations. You understand that 'précis' goes beyond just physical measurements or exact times; it applies to language, thoughts, and plans. You can talk about 'un objectif précis' (a specific goal) or 'des instructions précises' (precise instructions) at work or school. You are aware of the subtle differences between 'précis' and similar words like 'exact'. While 'exact' often means factually correct, 'précis' emphasizes the level of detail. You can use adverbs to modify 'précis', such as 'extrêmement précis' (extremely precise) or 'assez précis' (quite precise), to add nuance to your descriptions. You also start encountering 'précis' in written French, such as in news articles or formal emails, where clarity is essential. You might read about 'des informations précises' regarding a news event. Furthermore, you learn the adverbial form 'précisément' (precisely/exactly), which is incredibly useful for confirming something ('Oui, précisément !') or explaining exactly how something happened. At this stage, your pronunciation of the masculine and feminine forms is solid, and you naturally make the agreement without thinking too much about it. 'Précis' has become a core part of your vocabulary for expressing clarity and detail.

At the B2 level, your grasp of 'précis' is sophisticated, and you can use it to articulate complex ideas and nuances. You use it confidently in professional, academic, and argumentative contexts. You can discuss 'des critères précis' (specific criteria) for a project or demand 'des arguments précis' (precise arguments) during a debate. You understand the idiomatic and structural uses of the word. For instance, you know the phrase 'à ce moment précis' (at that exact moment), which is excellent for storytelling or reporting events. You can distinguish 'précis' from more advanced synonyms like 'rigoureux' (rigorous), 'minutieux' (meticulous), and 'pointilleux' (nitpicky), choosing the exact right word for the situation. You understand that describing someone as 'minutieux' is a compliment about their careful work, while 'pointilleux' might imply they are overly obsessed with minor details. You are also aware of the noun form, 'un précis', meaning a summary or abstract (e.g., 'un précis de littérature'), although you know it is less common than the adjective. Your ability to use 'précis' correctly with prepositions, such as 'être précis sur ce point' (to be precise on this point), demonstrates your advanced command of French syntax. You use the word to bring sharp focus and undeniable clarity to your spoken and written French.

At the C1 level, 'précis' is fully integrated into your advanced vocabulary, and you use it with the natural ease of a native speaker. You employ it in highly formal, technical, or literary contexts without hesitation. You understand its role in legal and administrative jargon, where 'des dispositions précises' (specific provisions) or 'un cadre juridique précis' (a precise legal framework) are common terms. You can play with the nuances of the word in rhetorical speech, using it to emphasize a point or to challenge an opponent's vague assertions by demanding 'des faits précis et vérifiables' (precise and verifiable facts). You are comfortable with complex sentence structures involving 'précis', such as 'C'est la raison précise pour laquelle...' (That is the precise reason why...). You also appreciate the aesthetic quality of precision in French culture, where clarity ('la clarté') is highly valued in writing and thought. You might analyze a text and praise the author for their 'vocabulaire précis' or their 'style précis et incisif'. At this level, you rarely make mistakes with gender or number agreement, and your pronunciation of the subtle 'z' sound in the feminine plural liaison (e.g., 'des heures_z_précises') is flawless. 'Précis' is a tool you use to refine your arguments and express complex thoughts with absolute exactitude.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'précis' encompasses its entire etymological, philosophical, and linguistic depth. You understand its origins from the Latin 'praecisus' (cut off, abrupt), and you can see how this idea of 'cutting away' the unnecessary relates to the modern meaning of exactness and clarity. You can engage in high-level philosophical or scientific discourse where the concept of precision is debated—for example, discussing the limits of precision in quantum mechanics or the subjective nature of precise language in poetry. You use 'précis' intuitively in highly idiomatic and literary constructions. You might use the noun form 'un précis' naturally when discussing academic summaries or historical overviews. You are acutely aware of the register and tone associated with the word, knowing exactly when a situation calls for the clinical exactitude of 'précis' versus the moral correctness of 'juste' or the factual truth of 'exact'. You can effortlessly correct subtle misuses of the word by others, explaining the semantic boundaries between 'précis', 'net', 'clair', and 'défini'. Your use of 'précis' reflects a near-native intuition for the rhythm and precision of the French language itself, allowing you to articulate the most complex, abstract, and nuanced ideas with absolute mastery.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

précis in 30 Seconds

Means 'exact' or 'accurate'.
Changes to 'précise' for feminine words.
Used for time, places, and details.
Silent 's' in masculine form.

The French adjective 'précis' is a fundamental vocabulary word that translates directly to 'precise', 'exact', 'accurate', or 'specific' in English. When you are learning French, understanding the nuances of 'précis' is absolutely essential because it is used in a wide variety of contexts, ranging from everyday conversations about time and location to highly technical discussions in science, mathematics, and professional environments. At its core, the word 'précis' conveys the idea of something that is clearly defined, leaving no room for ambiguity, doubt, or confusion. It is the opposite of vague, general, or approximate. When a French speaker uses the word 'précis', they are emphasizing that the information, object, or action in question has been carefully measured, thoughtfully articulated, or strictly determined. For example, if you ask someone for directions and they give you a 'réponse précise', it means they have given you exact, step-by-step instructions rather than a general wave of the hand.

Il me faut un chiffre précis pour le budget de ce projet.

In everyday life, you will frequently hear this word when people are making plans. Time is a domain where precision is highly valued. If a meeting is scheduled for 'à midi précis', it means exactly at noon, not a few minutes before or after. This usage is very similar to the English phrase 'at twelve o'clock sharp'.

Time Context: When referring to time, 'précis' acts like the English word 'sharp' or 'exactly', emphasizing punctuality.

Furthermore, 'précis' is often used to describe people. A person who is 'précis' is someone who is meticulous, careful, and exact in their work or speech. They do not make careless errors, and they pay close attention to the finest details.

Cet horloger est extrêmement précis dans son travail quotidien.

Beyond describing people and time, 'précis' is extensively used to describe objects, particularly instruments or tools that are designed for exact measurements. A 'thermomètre précis' or a 'balance précise' are tools that provide accurate readings. In these contexts, the word underscores the reliability and exactitude of the device.

Scientific Context: In scientific or technical fields, 'précis' indicates a high level of accuracy and minimal margin of error in measurements.

Le chirurgien doit faire un geste très précis pendant l'opération.

Another common usage is in the realm of language and communication. When someone asks you to be 'plus précis', they are asking you to provide more details, to clarify your statement, or to give a specific example. It is a polite but firm way of saying that the current explanation is too vague.

Pouvez-vous être plus précis dans votre description du suspect ?

Communication Context: Using 'précis' in conversation often relates to the clarity, specificity, and detail of the information being shared.

C'est exactement le mot précis que je cherchais depuis ce matin.

In summary, 'précis' is a versatile and highly frequent adjective in the French language. Whether you are talking about a sharp deadline, an accurate scientific instrument, a meticulous worker, or a specific detail in a story, 'précis' is the word you need. Mastering its usage will significantly improve your ability to communicate clearly and effectively in French, allowing you to express exactness and specificity with confidence.

Using the adjective 'précis' correctly in French sentences requires an understanding of French grammar rules, specifically regarding adjective placement and gender/number agreement. Like the vast majority of descriptive adjectives in French, 'précis' is typically placed immediately after the noun it modifies. This is a fundamental rule for English speakers to remember, as it is the opposite of English syntax where the adjective usually precedes the noun. Therefore, you would say 'un détail précis' (a precise detail) and not 'un précis détail'.

Il a donné une explication très précise de la situation actuelle.

Adjective Placement: The adjective 'précis' almost always follows the noun it describes, adhering to the standard French rule for descriptive adjectives.

The most critical aspect of using 'précis' is ensuring that it agrees in gender (masculine or feminine) and number (singular or plural) with the noun it modifies. The base form, 'précis', is used for masculine singular nouns. Because it already ends in an 's', the masculine plural form remains exactly the same: 'précis'. This is a helpful shortcut for learners.

Ces documents sont précis et prêts à être signés par le directeur.

However, when modifying a feminine singular noun, you must add an 'e' to the end, making it 'précise'. This addition of the 'e' changes the pronunciation significantly; the previously silent 's' is now pronounced like a 'z' sound, making the word sound like /pʁe.siz/. For feminine plural nouns, you add an 's' to the feminine singular form, resulting in 'précises'. The pronunciation remains the same as the feminine singular form.

Elle a posé des questions très précises pendant la réunion ce matin.

Gender Agreement: Masculine singular: précis. Feminine singular: précise. Masculine plural: précis. Feminine plural: précises.

In addition to modifying nouns directly, 'précis' is frequently used with the verb 'être' (to be) as a predicate adjective. For example, 'Ce plan est précis' (This plan is precise). It can also be modified by adverbs of intensity, such as 'très' (very), 'assez' (quite), 'trop' (too), or 'extrêmement' (extremely).

Le rapport financier doit être absolument précis avant d'être publié.

Another common grammatical structure involves using 'précis' with prepositions. You can say someone is 'précis dans' (precise in) their work or their words. For example, 'Il est très précis dans ses calculs' (He is very precise in his calculations).

Prepositional Usage: Use 'précis dans' to indicate the area or field in which someone or something exhibits precision.

C'est à cet endroit précis que nous avons trouvé les clés perdues.

Finally, it is worth noting that 'précis' can sometimes function as a noun, meaning a summary or an abstract of a book or text (un précis de grammaire). However, this usage is much less common in everyday conversation than its use as an adjective. Mastering the adjectival use, with its specific placement and agreement rules, is the key to using 'précis' naturally and accurately in French.

The word 'précis' is ubiquitous in the French-speaking world, appearing in a vast array of contexts from the highly formal to the casually conversational. One of the most common places you will hear this word is in professional and academic environments. In business meetings, clarity is paramount, and colleagues will frequently ask for 'des chiffres précis' (precise figures) or 'un plan d'action précis' (a precise action plan). Managers might praise an employee by saying their report was 'clair et précis' (clear and precise).

Nous avons besoin d'un calendrier précis pour le lancement du nouveau produit.

Professional Settings: In the workplace, 'précis' is used to demand accuracy in data, planning, and communication to ensure efficiency.

In academic settings, particularly in the sciences and mathematics, 'précis' is indispensable. Teachers and professors constantly remind students to be 'précis' in their calculations, their definitions, and their methodologies. A laboratory experiment requires 'des mesures précises' (precise measurements) to be considered valid.

La physique quantique exige un vocabulaire mathématique extrêmement précis.

Beyond formal environments, 'précis' is heavily used in everyday logistics and planning. When arranging to meet friends, you might agree on 'une heure précise' (a specific time) or 'un lieu précis' (a specific place). If someone is giving you directions, you want those directions to be 'précises' so you do not get lost.

Donne-moi l'adresse précise du restaurant pour que je puisse utiliser le GPS.

Everyday Logistics: For scheduling and navigation, 'précis' helps eliminate confusion and ensures everyone is on the same page.

Another fascinating area where 'précis' is commonly heard is in legal and administrative contexts. French bureaucracy is known for its strict requirements, and filling out forms often demands 'des informations précises'. A lawyer will look for 'un texte de loi précis' (a specific legal text) to support their argument.

Le contrat contient une clause très précise concernant les retards de paiement.

Finally, you will hear 'précis' in the context of arts, crafts, and cooking. A chef needs a 'recette précise' (precise recipe) for baking, where exact measurements of flour and sugar are crucial. A musician must have a 'rythme précis' (precise rhythm), and a painter might use a 'pinceau précis' (precise brush) for fine details.

Creative Arts: Even in creative fields, 'précis' is used to describe the technical mastery and exactitude required to produce high-quality work.

La pâtisserie française est un art qui demande d'être extrêmement précis.

In all these contexts, the word 'précis' carries a positive connotation of competence, reliability, and clarity. Whether you are in a boardroom, a laboratory, a kitchen, or just trying to meet a friend for coffee, understanding and using 'précis' will help you navigate the French-speaking world with much greater accuracy.

When English speakers learn the French word 'précis', they often encounter a few common stumbling blocks related to pronunciation, gender agreement, and slight semantic differences compared to English. The most frequent mistake, by far, involves the pronunciation of the final consonant. In the masculine singular and plural forms ('précis'), the final 's' is completely silent. The word is pronounced /pʁe.si/, ending with a sharp 'ee' sound. However, many learners mistakenly pronounce the 's', making it sound like 'précise'.

C'est un outil très précis (silent 's').

Pronunciation Error: Pronouncing the 's' in the masculine form is a dead giveaway of a non-native speaker. The 's' is only pronounced when there is an 'e' after it.

Conversely, when using the feminine form 'précise', learners sometimes forget to pronounce the final 's' (which sounds like a 'z' due to being between vowels in the spoken chain, or just a clear 'z' sound at the end of the word /pʁe.siz/). If you say 'une idée précis' (pronouncing it without the 'z' sound), it sounds grammatically incorrect to a French ear because 'idée' is feminine.

Elle a une vision très précise (pronounced 'z') de son avenir.

Another common mistake is related to written agreement. Because the masculine singular form 'précis' already ends in an 's', learners sometimes assume they need to add another 's' for the masculine plural, writing 'préciss' or 'précises' (which is the feminine plural). The rule is simple: if a masculine singular adjective ends in 's' or 'x', it does not change in the plural.

Spelling Error: Never add an extra 's' to the masculine plural. 'Un mot précis' becomes 'Des mots précis'.

Les termes du contrat sont très précis et non négociables.

Furthermore, English speakers sometimes confuse 'précis' with the English noun 'precis' (a summary). While 'un précis' can mean a summary in French (e.g., 'un précis d'histoire'), this usage is relatively rare compared to its use as an adjective. If you want to say 'a summary' in everyday French, 'un résumé' is a much better and more natural choice.

J'ai lu un précis de philosophie, mais je préfère un résumé plus court.

Lastly, there is a subtle semantic mistake regarding the difference between 'précis' and 'exact'. While they are often interchangeable, 'exact' usually implies correctness or truth (factual accuracy), whereas 'précis' implies a high level of detail or specificity. For example, if someone guesses your age correctly, they are 'exact'. If they state your age down to the exact number of days, they are 'précis'.

Semantic Nuance: Use 'exact' for factual correctness (right vs. wrong) and 'précis' for the level of detail and specificity.

Son calcul n'est pas seulement exact, il est extrêmement précis.

By paying attention to the silent 's' in the masculine form, remembering the written agreement rules, and understanding the subtle difference between specificity and factual correctness, you can avoid these common pitfalls and use 'précis' like a native speaker.

The French language is rich in vocabulary that expresses nuances of accuracy, detail, and correctness. While 'précis' is a highly versatile and common word, knowing its synonyms and alternatives will elevate your French and allow you to express yourself with greater subtlety. The most direct and common synonym for 'précis' is 'exact'. In many contexts, these two words can be used interchangeably. For instance, 'l'heure exacte' and 'l'heure précise' both mean 'the exact time'. However, 'exact' leans slightly more towards factual correctness—being right rather than wrong—while 'précis' emphasizes the level of detail or the sharpness of a measurement.

Il est important d'avoir des données précises et exactes pour cette étude.

Exact: Use 'exact' when you want to emphasize that something is factually correct and free from error, rather than just detailed.

Another excellent alternative is 'rigoureux'. This word translates to 'rigorous' or 'strict' and is often used to describe a person's methodology, work ethic, or a scientific process. While 'précis' describes the result (a precise measurement), 'rigoureux' describes the careful, uncompromising process used to achieve that result. A 'chercheur rigoureux' (rigorous researcher) will naturally produce 'des résultats précis'.

Le professeur demande une analyse très précise et rigoureuse du texte.

If you want to describe someone who is precise to the point of being obsessed with tiny details, you can use the words 'minutieux' or 'pointilleux'. 'Minutieux' (meticulous) is generally positive, describing someone who works with great care and attention to minute details, like a watchmaker. 'Pointilleux' (fussy or nitpicky), on the other hand, can have a slightly negative connotation, implying that the person focuses too much on trivial details and might be annoying to work with.

Minutieux vs. Pointilleux: 'Minutieux' praises careful attention to detail, while 'pointilleux' criticizes an excessive, annoying focus on minor rules or details.

Cet artisan est très précis et minutieux dans la fabrication de ses bijoux.

For situations involving language and communication, 'clair' (clear) and 'net' (distinct/sharp) are good companions to 'précis'. A response can be 'claire et précise' (clear and precise), meaning it is easy to understand and leaves no ambiguity. 'Net' is often used for physical things, like 'une image nette' (a sharp image), but can also be used for a definitive answer: 'un refus net et précis' (a flat, precise refusal).

Sa réponse à ma question a été claire, nette et précise.

Clair et Net: Use these words alongside 'précis' to emphasize that something is not only detailed but also immediately understandable and unambiguous.

Il faut couper le papier d'un geste net et précis.

By understanding these alternatives—exact, rigoureux, minutieux, pointilleux, clair, and net—you can choose the perfect word to convey the exact flavor of precision you need in any given situation, making your French sound much more sophisticated and native-like.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"Veuillez nous fournir des données précises concernant vos revenus."

Neutral

"J'ai besoin d'une adresse précise pour te rejoindre."

Informal

"T'as pas une idée plus précise du prix ?"

Child friendly

"Il faut colorier sans dépasser, avec un geste très précis !"

Slang

"C'est précis de ouf !"

Fun Fact

The idea that 'precision' comes from 'cutting' makes sense when you think about it. To be precise, you must cut away all the vague, unnecessary, or incorrect information, leaving only the exact truth.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /pʁe.si/ (masc), /pʁe.siz/ (fem)

US /pʁe.si/ (masc), /pʁe.siz/ (fem)

The stress in French is generally on the final syllable of the word or phrase. So, pre-CI (masc) and pre-CISE (fem).

Rhymes With

merci aussi ici réussi choisi bise (for précise) crise (for précise) surprise (for précise)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 's' in the masculine form 'précis'. It must be silent.
Forgetting to pronounce the 's' (as a 'z' sound) in the feminine form 'précise'.
Pronouncing the 'é' as an English 'ay' (with a glide). It should be a pure, short vowel.
Pronouncing the French 'r' like an English 'r'. It should be produced in the back of the throat.
Adding an extra syllable to the plural forms. 'Précises' is pronounced exactly like 'précise'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize because it looks like the English word 'precise'.

Writing 4/5

Requires remembering the gender agreement (précis vs. précise) and not adding an 's' to the masculine plural.

Speaking 5/5

The silent 's' in masculine vs. the pronounced 'z' sound in feminine is a common trap for learners.

Listening 5/5

You must listen carefully for the 'z' sound to know if the speaker is using the feminine form.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

exact heure détail clair vrai

Learn Next

précisément préciser la précision rigoureux minutieux

Advanced

pointilleux l'exactitude spécifique l'acuité indubitable

Grammar to Know

Adjective Placement

Un détail précis (Adjective follows the noun).

Feminine Agreement

Un mot précis -> Une phrase précise (Add 'e').

Plural Agreement (Words ending in s/x)

Un outil précis -> Des outils précis (No change for masculine plural).

Adverb Formation

Précis -> Précisément (Formed from the adjective, though irregular as it adds an accent).

Use with Prepositions

Il est précis dans ses calculs (Using 'dans' to show the domain of precision).

Examples by Level

Le train part à une heure précise.

The train leaves at a specific time.

'Heure' is feminine, so we use 'précise'.

C'est un détail très précis.

It is a very precise detail.

'Détail' is masculine, so we use 'précis'.

Je veux une réponse précise.

I want a precise answer.

'Réponse' is feminine, requiring 'précise'.

Il est très précis.

He is very precise.

Masculine singular adjective modifying 'Il'.

Elle est très précise.

She is very precise.

Feminine singular adjective modifying 'Elle'.

Donne-moi un mot précis.

Give me a precise word.

'Mot' is masculine, so 'précis' is used.

Le rendez-vous est à midi précis.

The appointment is at exactly noon.

'Midi' acts as a masculine concept here, taking 'précis'.

C'est un lieu précis.

It is a precise location.

'Lieu' is masculine, so we use 'précis'.

Pouvez-vous être plus précis, s'il vous plaît ?

Can you be more precise, please?

Using 'plus' (more) to modify the adjective.

J'ai besoin d'une adresse précise pour le GPS.

I need a precise address for the GPS.

'Adresse' is feminine, so 'précise' is required.

La recette demande des mesures précises.

The recipe requires precise measurements.

'Mesures' is feminine plural, so we use 'précises'.

Ce thermomètre n'est pas très précis.

This thermometer is not very precise.

Negative sentence with masculine singular 'précis'.

Il faut couper à cet endroit précis.

You must cut at this exact spot.

'Endroit' is masculine, taking 'précis'.

Mes souvenirs de ce jour ne sont pas précis.

My memories of that day are not precise.

'Souvenirs' is masculine plural, so 'précis' remains unchanged.

Elle a posé une question très précise.

She asked a very precise question.

'Question' is feminine, taking 'précise'.

Le prix précis est de vingt euros.

The exact price is twenty euros.

'Prix' is masculine, taking 'précis'.

Le directeur a donné des instructions claires et précises.

The manager gave clear and precise instructions.

Multiple adjectives modifying the feminine plural 'instructions'.

C'est à ce moment précis que le téléphone a sonné.

It was at that exact moment that the phone rang.

Common phrase 'à ce moment précis' for storytelling.

Nous devons définir un objectif précis pour ce projet.

We must define a specific goal for this project.

'Objectif' is masculine, taking 'précis'.

Ses explications étaient assez précises pour que je comprenne.

His explanations were precise enough for me to understand.

Using 'assez' (enough/quite) with feminine plural 'précises'.

Le médecin a fait un diagnostic très précis.

The doctor made a very precise diagnosis.

'Diagnostic' is masculine, taking 'précis'.

Il est important d'utiliser le vocabulaire précis.

It is important to use the precise vocabulary.

'Vocabulaire' is masculine, taking 'précis'.

La police cherche des informations plus précises sur le suspect.

The police are looking for more precise information about the suspect.

'Informations' is feminine plural, taking 'précises'.

Ce n'est pas le terme précis, mais vous comprenez l'idée.

It's not the precise term, but you get the idea.

'Terme' is masculine, taking 'précis'.

Une analyse précise des données est indispensable avant de conclure.

A precise analysis of the data is essential before concluding.

'Analyse' is feminine, taking 'précise'.

Il a une mémoire extrêmement précise des événements de son enfance.

He has an extremely precise memory of his childhood events.

'Mémoire' is feminine, taking 'précise' modified by an adverb.

Le contrat stipule des conditions précises concernant la résiliation.

The contract stipulates precise conditions regarding termination.

'Conditions' is feminine plural, taking 'précises'.

Bien que son discours soit long, il manquait d'exemples précis.

Although his speech was long, it lacked precise examples.

'Exemples' is masculine plural, taking 'précis'.

La traduction doit être aussi précise que possible pour éviter les malentendus.

The translation must be as precise as possible to avoid misunderstandings.

Comparative structure 'aussi... que' with feminine 'précise'.

C'est un artisan minutieux, ses gestes sont toujours précis.

He is a meticulous craftsman, his movements are always precise.

'Gestes' is masculine plural, taking 'précis'.

Pourriez-vous me fournir un devis plus précis d'ici demain ?

Could you provide me with a more precise quote by tomorrow?

'Devis' is masculine, taking 'précis'.

La science exige une terminologie précise et rigoureuse.

Science demands a precise and rigorous terminology.

Multiple adjectives modifying feminine 'terminologie'.

L'auteur dresse un portrait précis et sans concession de la société moderne.

The author paints a precise and uncompromising portrait of modern society.

Literary use of 'précis' modifying masculine 'portrait'.

Il a su identifier le problème avec une acuité tout à fait précise.

He was able to identify the problem with completely precise acuity.

Advanced vocabulary 'acuité' (feminine) taking 'précise'.

Les directives gouvernementales manquent cruellement de dispositions précises.

The government guidelines cruelly lack precise provisions.

'Dispositions' is feminine plural, taking 'précises'.

C'est dans ce cadre précis que s'inscrit notre nouvelle stratégie.

It is within this precise framework that our new strategy fits.

'Cadre' is masculine, taking 'précis'.

La chirurgie au laser permet des interventions d'une nature extrêmement précise.

Laser surgery allows for interventions of an extremely precise nature.

'Nature' is feminine, taking 'précise'.

Il a rédigé un précis de philosophie qui fait autorité dans le domaine.

He wrote a philosophy summary that is authoritative in the field.

Here 'précis' is used as a masculine noun meaning 'summary'.

Ses critiques, bien que sévères, étaient toujours justes et précises.

His criticisms, although harsh, were always fair and precise.

'Critiques' is feminine plural, taking 'précises'.

L'horlogerie suisse est mondialement reconnue pour ses mécanismes précis.

Swiss watchmaking is globally recognized for its precise mechanisms.

'Mécanismes' is masculine plural, taking 'précis'.

L'ontologie de ce philosophe repose sur une définition stricte et précise de l'être.

This philosopher's ontology rests on a strict and precise definition of being.

Highly academic context, feminine 'définition' taking 'précise'.

La poésie de Baudelaire allie une imagination foisonnante à un vocabulaire d'une justesse précise.

Baudelaire's poetry combines a teeming imagination with a vocabulary of precise accuracy.

Literary analysis context, feminine 'justesse' taking 'précise'.

Dans le maquis des lois fiscales, il est ardu de trouver une jurisprudence précise.

In the thicket of tax laws, it is arduous to find precise jurisprudence.

Legal jargon, feminine 'jurisprudence' taking 'précise'.

L'étymologie du mot révèle son sens premier : ce qui est coupé de façon nette et précise.

The etymology of the word reveals its primary meaning: that which is cut in a clean and precise manner.

Using 'de façon précise' as an adverbial phrase.

La mécanique quantique remet en question la notion même d'une localisation précise des particules.

Quantum mechanics questions the very notion of a precise localization of particles.

Scientific/philosophical context, feminine 'localisation' taking 'précise'.

Son argumentation, d'une logique implacable, s'appuyait sur des données empiriques précises.

His argumentation, of implacable logic, relied on precise empirical data.

'Données' is feminine plural, taking 'précises'.

Le diplomate a pesé chaque mot pour formuler une réponse à la fois diplomatique et précise.

The diplomat weighed every word to formulate a response that was both diplomatic and precise.

'Réponse' is feminine, taking 'précise'.

Il s'agit d'un malentendu sémantique : nous n'utilisons pas ce terme dans son acception précise.

It is a semantic misunderstanding: we are not using this term in its precise sense.

Advanced vocabulary 'acception' (meaning/sense), feminine, taking 'précise'.

Common Collocations

à un moment précis

des détails précis

une idée précise

des instructions précises

un endroit précis

à midi précis

un outil précis

clair et précis

être plus précis

un chiffre précis

Common Phrases

à l'heure précise

— At the exact time. Used to emphasize punctuality.

Il est arrivé à l'heure précise du rendez-vous.

au sens précis du terme

— In the precise sense of the term. Used to clarify a definition.

C'est un chef-d'œuvre, au sens précis du terme.

plus précisément

— More precisely. Used to correct oneself or add specific detail.

J'habite en France, plus précisément à Lyon.

rien de précis

— Nothing specific. Used when plans or ideas are not yet formed.

Je n'ai rien de précis de prévu pour ce week-end.

un but précis

— A specific goal. Used when someone has a clear objective.

Il travaille avec un but précis en tête.

sans raison précise

— For no specific reason. Used when an action lacks a clear motive.

Il est parti sans raison précise.

à cet instant précis

— At this exact instant. Used for dramatic effect in storytelling.

À cet instant précis, la lumière s'est éteinte.

un cadre précis

— A specific framework. Used in professional or legal contexts.

Le projet doit rester dans un cadre précis.

des termes précis

— Precise terms. Used when specific vocabulary is required.

Le contrat est rédigé en termes précis.

une question précise

— A specific question. Used to ask for exact information.

Puis-je vous poser une question précise ?

Often Confused With

précis vs exact

'Exact' focuses on truth/correctness (right vs. wrong). 'Précis' focuses on the level of detail or sharpness.

précis vs juste

'Juste' can mean exact, but often carries a moral weight (fair/just) or means 'only/just'. 'Précis' is purely about detail.

précis vs un précis (noun)

English speakers might confuse the adjective 'précis' with the English noun 'precis' (summary). While French has the noun 'un précis', the adjective is much more common.

Idioms & Expressions

"réglé comme du papier à musique"

— Regulated like sheet music. Means something is extremely precise, organized, and predictable.

Son emploi du temps est réglé comme du papier à musique.

informal

"tomber pile"

— To fall exactly right. Means to happen at the perfect or exact time.

Ton appel tombe pile, j'allais sortir.

informal

"au millimètre près"

— To the nearest millimeter. Means extremely precise, usually regarding physical measurements or planning.

La cuisine a été conçue au millimètre près.

neutral

"à la minute près"

— To the exact minute. Means extremely punctual.

Le train est arrivé à la minute près.

neutral

"avoir le compas dans l'œil"

— To have a compass in the eye. Means to be able to judge distances or sizes very accurately without measuring tools.

Pour garer cette voiture ici, il faut avoir le compas dans l'œil.

informal

"tirer à boulets rouges"

— To fire red-hot cannonballs. While not meaning precise, it means to attack someone verbally with very specific, harsh criticisms.

La presse a tiré à boulets rouges sur le ministre avec des accusations précises.

informal

"mettre les points sur les i"

— To dot the i's. Means to clarify things precisely, leaving no ambiguity.

Il est temps de mettre les points sur les i concernant ce projet.

neutral

"au poil"

— To the hair. Means perfect, exact, or exactly right.

Ce costume te va au poil.

informal

"une précision d'horloger"

— A watchmaker's precision. Means extreme, meticulous accuracy.

Il a organisé l'événement avec une précision d'horloger.

formal

"viser juste"

— To aim true/right. Means to guess correctly or make a very precise and accurate remark.

Avec cette remarque, tu as visé juste.

neutral

Easily Confused

précis vs exact

Both translate to 'exact' or 'accurate' in English.

Use 'exact' when something is factually correct (the exact answer to 2+2). Use 'précis' when something has a high level of detail (a precise measurement of 2.0001).

L'heure exacte est 12h00. Son calcul est très précis.

précis vs juste

'Juste' can mean 'right' or 'accurate'.

'Juste' often implies fairness, musical pitch (chanter juste), or 'only'. 'Précis' is strictly about detail and lack of ambiguity.

C'est une décision juste (fair). C'est une instruction précise (detailed).

précis vs vrai

Means 'true', which is related to being correct.

'Vrai' is the opposite of false. A statement can be true (vrai) but very vague (imprécis).

C'est vrai qu'il pleut, mais je n'ai pas l'heure précise.

précis vs clair

Means 'clear', often used together with précis.

'Clair' means easy to understand or see. 'Précis' means detailed. A vague statement can be clear, but it is not precise.

Son explication est claire, mais manque de détails précis.

précis vs spécifique

Translates to 'specific', which is a synonym for precise in English.

'Spécifique' usually means unique to a particular group or situation, rather than just detailed.

C'est un problème spécifique à cette voiture. J'ai besoin d'un outil précis.

Sentence Patterns

[Noun] + est + très + précis(e)

Ce thermomètre est très précis.

À + [Time] + précis(e)

Le train part à midi précis.

Pouvez-vous être plus précis sur + [Noun] ?

Pouvez-vous être plus précis sur le prix ?

C'est à ce moment précis que + [Action]

C'est à ce moment précis qu'il est parti.

Il faut des [Noun] précis(es) pour + [Infinitive]

Il faut des outils précis pour réparer ça.

Pour être tout à fait précis, + [Statement]

Pour être tout à fait précis, il coûte 20 euros.

Un manque cruel de [Noun] précis(es)

On note un manque cruel de données précises.

Dans le cadre précis de + [Noun]

Dans le cadre précis de cette loi, c'est interdit.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very High (Top 1000 words in French)

Common Mistakes

Pronouncing the 's' in 'un outil précis'. → Pronouncing it 'un outil pré-ci' (silent s).
In French, final consonants are usually silent unless followed by an 'e'. The masculine form 'précis' has no 'e', so the 's' is silent.
Writing 'des détails préciss' for the plural. → Writing 'des détails précis'.
Adjectives that end in 's' or 'x' in the masculine singular do not change in the masculine plural. You do not add another 's'.
Saying 'un précis détail'. → Saying 'un détail précis'.
Descriptive adjectives in French generally follow the noun. 'Précis' is not one of the exceptions (like beau, nouveau, vieux) that go before the noun.
Saying 'à une heure précis'. → Saying 'à une heure précise'.
'Heure' is a feminine noun. Therefore, the adjective must agree and take the feminine form 'précise', which means you must pronounce the 'z' sound.
Using 'un précis' to mean 'a summary' in everyday speech. → Using 'un résumé' for a summary.
While 'un précis' technically means a summary, it is very formal and usually refers to academic texts. For a normal summary, 'un résumé' is the correct word.

Tips

The Silent S

Always remember that the 's' in the masculine 'précis' is silent. Say 'pray-see'. Pronouncing the 's' here is a very common mistake for English speakers.

No Double S

When writing the masculine plural, never write 'préciss'. Because the singular already ends in 's', the plural remains exactly the same: 'précis'.

Listen for the Z

When listening to native speakers, the 'z' sound at the end of 'précise' is your biggest clue that the noun they are talking about is feminine.

Time Expressions

Use 'précis' to sound more native when making plans. Instead of just saying 'à 14h', say 'à 14h précises' to mean 'at 2 PM sharp'.

Pair with Clair

The phrase 'clair et précis' (clear and precise) is a fantastic collocation to memorize. Use it to compliment someone's explanation or report.

Polite Clarification

If you don't understand someone, saying 'Pouvez-vous être plus précis ?' is a very polite and professional way to ask for more details.

Adjective Placement

Don't let English syntax confuse you. 'Précis' goes AFTER the noun. 'A precise tool' is 'un outil précis'.

Exact vs. Précis

If someone guesses your weight correctly, they are 'exact'. If they guess it down to the gram, they are 'précis'.

Storytelling Magic

Use the phrase 'à ce moment précis' (at that exact moment) to add drama and focus when writing a story or recounting an event in French.

Think of Cutting

Remember the Latin root 'to cut'. Being precise means cutting away all the fluff and leaving only the exact, sharp truth.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the English word 'PRECISE'. The French word is almost identical. To remember the silent 's' in the masculine, imagine a PRECISE sniper who must be completely SILENT (silent 's'). To remember the 'z' sound in the feminine 'précise', imagine a PRECISE queen bee buzzing (Z sound).

Visual Association

Visualize a sharp pair of scissors cutting a piece of paper exactly on a dotted line. The cut is 'précis'. This connects to the etymology of the word (to cut) and its meaning (exact).

Word Web

précis exact heure détail précision préciser clair mesure

Challenge

Look around your room. Try to describe the exact location of three objects using the word 'précis' or 'précise'. For example: 'Le livre est à un endroit précis sur la table.'

Word Origin

The word 'précis' comes from the Latin word 'praecisus', which is the past participle of the verb 'praecidere'. 'Praecidere' means 'to cut off in front', 'to cut short', or 'to abridge'. It is formed from the prefix 'prae-' (before/in front) and 'caedere' (to cut).

Original meaning: Originally, in Latin and early French, it meant something that was cut short or abbreviated, which is why 'un précis' still means a summary today. Over time, the meaning evolved.

Indo-European > Italic > Romance > French

Cultural Context

There are no specific cultural sensitivities or offensive connotations associated with the word 'précis'. It is a safe, standard vocabulary word.

English speakers often use 'precise' and 'accurate' differently (accurate = correct, precise = detailed). In French, 'précis' covers the 'detailed' aspect, while 'exact' covers the 'correct' aspect, very similar to English.

The phrase 'Ce que l'on conçoit bien s'énonce clairement' (What is well conceived is clearly stated) by Nicolas Boileau reflects the French cultural obsession with precise language. The Swiss-French watchmaking industry, famous worldwide for its 'précision'. The 'Précis de décomposition' (A Short History of Decay), a famous philosophical book by Emil Cioran.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Giving Directions

une adresse précise
un lieu précis
à cet endroit précis
des indications précises

Scheduling and Time

à une heure précise
à midi précis
à ce moment précis
un rendez-vous précis

Professional Meetings

un objectif précis
des chiffres précis
un plan précis
être plus précis

Science and Cooking

des mesures précises
un outil précis
une quantité précise
un thermomètre précis

Asking for Clarification

pouvez-vous être plus précis
je n'ai pas de détails précis
c'est peu précis
pour être précis

Conversation Starters

"As-tu une idée précise de ce que tu veux faire ce week-end ?"

"À quelle heure précise le film commence-t-il ce soir ?"

"Peux-tu me donner des détails plus précis sur ton nouveau travail ?"

"Trouves-tu que les instructions du professeur sont toujours précises ?"

"Quel est l'outil le plus précis que tu utilises dans ton métier ?"

Journal Prompts

Décrivez un souvenir d'enfance avec les détails les plus précis possibles.

Pourquoi est-il important d'être précis quand on communique avec les autres ?

Racontez une fois où un manque d'informations précises a causé un problème.

Écrivez les instructions précises pour préparer votre plat préféré.

Quel est votre objectif le plus précis pour l'année prochaine et comment l'atteindrez-vous ?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, in the masculine singular and masculine plural forms ('précis'), the final 's' is completely silent. You pronounce it like 'pray-see'. However, in the feminine forms ('précise', 'précises'), you must pronounce the 's' like a 'z' sound ('pray-seez').

For masculine nouns, the plural is exactly the same as the singular: 'précis'. You do not add another 's'. For feminine nouns, you add an 's' to the feminine singular form, making it 'précises'.

Like most descriptive adjectives in French, 'précis' almost always goes after the noun it modifies. For example, you say 'un détail précis' (a precise detail), not 'un précis détail'.

They are very similar and often interchangeable. However, 'exact' focuses more on factual correctness (being right instead of wrong), while 'précis' focuses on the level of detail, sharpness, or specificity.

Yes, 'un précis' is a masculine noun that means a summary, abstract, or a concise book on a subject (e.g., 'un précis de grammaire'). However, it is used much more frequently as an adjective.

You can say 'pour être précis' or 'plus précisément'. For example, 'Il habite en France, plus précisément à Paris' (He lives in France, more precisely in Paris).

The adverb form is 'précisément', which means 'precisely' or 'exactly'. It is often used to confirm something, like saying 'Exactly!' in English ('Précisément !').

'Midi' (noon) and 'minuit' (midnight) are masculine nouns in French. Therefore, when you say 'at exactly noon', you use the masculine form: 'à midi précis'.

It is a neutral word. It is perfectly normal to use it in everyday casual conversation, but it is also highly appropriate and frequently used in formal, academic, and professional settings.

The most direct opposite is 'imprécis' (imprecise). You can also use words like 'vague' (vague), 'approximatif' (approximate), or 'flou' (blurry/unclear) depending on the context.