imprecise
UK: /ˌɪmprɪˈsaɪs/ | US: /ˌɪmprɪˈsaɪs/
adj. not exact or accurate; lacking precision
adj. vague or loosely defined
imprecise = im<not> + precise<exact>
- im (prefix): A variant of "in-" meaning "not," derived from Latin in- (negative prefix).
- precise (root): From Latin praecisus ("cut short, precise"), from praecidere ("to cut off"), combining prae- ("before") + caedere ("to cut").
Etymology Origin:
The word "imprecise" emerged in the early 19th century by combining the negative prefix "im-" (adapted from Latin) with "precise," which traces back to Latin praecisus. The root "precise" originally conveyed the idea of cutting something to exact measurements, later evolving to mean "exact" in English. Adding "im-" logically flips the meaning to "not exact."
The instructions were too imprecise, leading to confusion.
His imprecise calculations resulted in a significant error.
The map's imprecise borders caused disputes between the two countries.
Her imprecise wording left room for misinterpretation.
Scientific theories cannot afford to be imprecise.