accuracy

/ˈæk.jɚ.ə.si/

Say it: AK-yuh-ruh-see

1. noun The quality or state of being correct, precise, and free from error.
The witness's statement was later questioned for its accuracy.
2. noun The degree to which a measurement, calculation, or specification conforms to the correct value or a standard.
In scientific experiments, the accuracy of the instruments is crucial for valid results.

📖 Seen in the wild

The scientist double-checked the data to ensure its accuracy.
collected by @vocablast

✏️ accuracy in a sentence

The new software can predict market trends with surprising accuracy.
He prided himself on the accuracy of his memory, recalling details from decades ago.
Before publishing the article, the editor checked all the facts for accuracy.
The archer's aim was impressive, but she lacked the pinpoint accuracy needed to win.
We need to improve the accuracy of our sales forecasts for the next quarter.
The historical novel was praised for its meticulous accuracy in depicting the period.
I'm not questioning your honesty, just the accuracy of the information you were given.

🔁 Synonyms & antonyms

precision correctness exactness fidelity veracity truthfulness rightness

precision · refers to the consistency and reproducibility of a result, not necessarily its correctness.

correctness · often implies a binary state of being right or wrong, while accuracy can be a matter of degree.

exactness · suggests a very high, often perfect, degree of accuracy with no deviation.

fidelity · emphasizes faithfulness in reproducing a source, like a translation or a sound recording.

Opposites: inaccuracy, error, imprecision, fallacy, mistake

🌱 Where it comes from

The word 'accuracy' comes from the Latin 'accuratus', meaning 'done with care'. This itself is derived from 'ad' (to) and 'cura' (care), painting a picture of something that has been carefully attended to. This origin highlights that being accurate isn't just about being right by chance, but about achieving correctness through diligence and attention to detail.

🧩 How it's used

Common patterns:

pinpoint accuracya high degree of accuracycheck for accuracyensure the accuracy ofquestion the accuracy

The most common point of confusion is between 'accuracy' and 'precision'. Think of an archer. Accuracy is hitting the bullseye. Precision is hitting the same spot over and over, even if that spot is not the bullseye. In data and science, a measurement can be precise without being accurate. The word itself is suitable for almost any context, from casual conversation to technical reports.

Word family: accurate, accurately, inaccuracy, inaccurate

💬 Quick answers

What does accuracy mean?

Accuracy is the quality of being correct and free from mistakes. It refers to how close a piece of information or a measurement is to the true or accepted value.

What is the difference between accuracy and precision?

Accuracy is how close a measurement is to the true value. Precision is how close multiple measurements are to each other. You can be precisely wrong if all your measurements are clustered together but far from the correct value.

Is accuracy a formal word?

Accuracy is a neutral word that is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in technical, academic, and professional settings.

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