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ex‧act‧ly S1 W2
1 used to emphasize that a number, amount, or piece of information is or should be completely correct in every detail : It's exactly half past five. The figures may not be exactly right, but they're close enough.
It's exactly half past five.The figures may not be exactly right, but they're close enough. exactly where/what/when etc I can't remember exactly what she said. It's a tragic situation and no one will ever know exactly what happened.
I can't remember exactly what she said.It's a tragic situation and no one will ever know exactly what happened.2 used to emphasize that something is the same or different [= precisely]: That's exactly what we've been trying to tell you. It's exactly the kind of work I've been looking for.
That's exactly what we've been trying to tell you.It's exactly the kind of work I've been looking for.3
not exactly
spokena) used as a reply to show that what someone has said is not completely correct or true : 'You hate Lee, don't you?' 'Not exactly. I just think he's a bit annoying, that's all.'
'You hate Lee, don't you?' 'Not exactly. I just think he's a bit annoying, that's all.'b) used to show that you mean the complete opposite, either humorously, or when you are annoyed [= hardly]: I wouldn't bother asking Dave - he's not exactly Einstein (=he is stupid).
I wouldn't bother asking Dave - he's not exactly Einstein (=he is stupid).4 spoken used as a reply to show that you think what someone has said is completely correct or true : 'So you think we should sell the house?' 'Exactly.'
'So you think we should sell the house?' 'Exactly.'