exacting
UK: ɪɡˈzæktɪŋ | US: ɪɡˈzæktɪŋ
adj. requiring great care, effort, or precision; demanding
adj. rigorous or severe in standards
The word "exacting" originates from the Latin exigere (to demand, drive out), composed of ex- (out) and agere (to do, drive). Over time, exigere evolved into the English verb "exact," meaning to demand or enforce strictly. The suffix -ing was added to form the adjective, emphasizing the demanding or rigorous nature of the subject. The morpheme "act" retains its core meaning of "doing," while "ex-" implies thoroughness or intensity.
The exacting professor expected flawless essays from every student.
Her exacting standards made the project take twice as long.
The job required exacting attention to detail.
He found the training regimen too exacting and quit.
The surgeon’s exacting precision saved the patient’s life.