EXACTLY

precisely, exactly, just, properly

(adverb) indicating exactness or preciseness; “he was doing precisely (or exactly) what she had told him to do”; “it was just as he said--the jewel was gone”; “it has just enough salt”; “Properly speaking, all true work is religion.”--Thomas Carlyle

precisely, incisively, exactly

(adverb) in a precise manner; “she always expressed herself precisely”

precisely, exactly, on the nose, on the dot, on the button

(adverb) just as it should be; “‘Precisely, my lord,’ he said”

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Adverb

exactly (comparative more exactly, superlative most exactly)

(manner) without approximation; precisely.

(focus) Used to provide emphasis.

Synonyms

• (without approximation): accurately, exact, perfectly; see also exactly

Antonyms

• (without approximation): approximately

Interjection

exactly

Signifies agreement or recognition.

Source: Wiktionary

Ex*act"ly, adv.

Definition: In an exact manner; precisely according to a rule, standard, or fact; accurately; strictly; correctly; nicely. "Exactly wrought." Shak. His enemies were pleased, for he had acted exactly as their interests required. Bancroft.

EXACT

Ex*act", a. Etym: [L. exactus precise, accurate, p. p. of exigere to drive out, to demand, enforce, finish, determine, measure; ex out + agere to drive; cf. F. exact. See Agent, Act.]

1. Precisely agreeing with a standard, a fact, or the truth; perfectly conforming; neither exceeding nor falling short in any respect; true; correct; precise; as, the clock keeps exact time; he paid the exact debt; an exact copy of a letter; exact accounts. I took a great pains to make out the exact truth. Jowett (Thucyd. )

2. Habitually careful to agree with a standard, a rule, or a promise; accurate; methodical; punctual; as, a man exact in observing an appointment; in my doings I was exact. "I see thou art exact of taste." Milton.

3. Precisely or definitely conceived or stated; strict. An exact command, Larded with many several sorts of reason. Shak.

Ex*act", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Exacted; p. pr. & vb. n. Exacting.] Etym: [From L. exactus, p. p. of exigere; or fr. LL. exactare: cf. OF. exacter. See Exact, a.]

Definition: To demand or require authoritatively or peremptorily, as a right; to enforce the payment of, or a yielding of; to compel to yield or to furnish; hence, to wrest, as a fee or reward when none is due; -- followed by from or of before the one subjected to exaction; as, to exact tribute, fees, obedience, etc., from or of some one. He said into them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you. Luke. iii. 13. Years of servise past From grateful souls exact reward at last Dryden. My designs Exact me in another place. Massinger.

Ex*act", v. i.

Definition: To practice exaction. [R.] The anemy shall not exact upon him. Ps. lxxxix. 22.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition