Exactly vs. Identical — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 17, 2024
"Exactly" refers to something being precise or accurate, whereas "identical" means two or more things are the same in every detail.
Difference Between Exactly and Identical
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
"Exactly" is an adverb used to indicate precision or accuracy in detail or amount. For instance, you might say, "The measurement is exactly 5 inches," emphasizing precision in measurement. "Identical," on the other hand, is an adjective that describes two or more things that are the same in every way. For example, "The twins wore identical outfits," indicating that the outfits are completely the same.
In language usage, "exactly" emphasizes the correctness or specificity of a statement. When someone says, "That's exactly what I meant," they stress the accuracy of their statement. Conversely, "identical" focuses on the sameness or uniformity of objects or individuals. When we say, "These two documents are identical," we mean there are no differences between them.
"Exactly" can modify verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs, enhancing the degree of accuracy or specificity. For example, "She arrived exactly on time." "Identical" cannot be used this way as it strictly describes the nature of nouns, such as "identical rooms."
In mathematics and science, "exactly" often qualifies calculations or measurements, ensuring no deviation from what is stated. Whereas "identical" is used to describe entities that are indistinguishable from one another in all respects, such as "identical chemical compounds."
When discussing plans or instructions, "exactly" can be used to ensure precise adherence to details. For instance, "Follow the recipe exactly." Meanwhile, "identical" might be used to compare results or outputs, like "The two cakes are identical in taste and appearance."
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Adverb
Adjective
Definition
Precisely, accurately
Exactly the same in every detail
Usage Example
"She arrived exactly at noon."
"The twins wore identical outfits."
Context
Emphasizes precision or accuracy
Emphasizes sameness or uniformity
Application
Modifies verbs, adjectives, adverbs
Describes nouns
Compare with Definitions
Exactly
In an exact manner, without any deviation.
Follow the instructions exactly.
Identical
Involving complete agreement.
Their opinions were identical.
Exactly
Precisely, with complete accuracy.
The meeting started exactly at 10 AM.
Identical
Corresponding in every respect.
The identical twins had identical fingerprints.
Exactly
To indicate agreement.
Exactly, that's the point.
Identical
Exactly alike.
They bought identical cars.
Exactly
Used for emphasis to mean 'just'.
That's exactly what I wanted to hear.
Identical
Exactly equal or equivalent.
Both copies of the document are identical.
Exactly
In an exact manner; accurately.
Identical
Being the same in every detail.
The two keys are identical.
Exactly
In all respects; just
Do exactly as you please.
Identical
Being the same
Another orator who used the senator's identical words.
Exactly
As you say. Used to indicate agreement.
Identical
Exactly equal and alike
Your car is identical to mine. Are the fingerprints at the crime scene identical with those of the accused?.
Exactly
(manner) Without approximation; precisely.
Measure exactly so we can be sure it is right.
The edge is not exactly straight.
He divided the coins exactly in half.
Identical
(Biology) Of or relating to a twin or twins developed from the same fertilized ovum and having the same genetic makeup and closely similar appearance; monozygotic.
Exactly
(focus) Precisely, used to provide emphasis.
He did it that way exactly to prove the point.
Identical
(not comparable) Bearing full likeness by having precisely the same set of characteristics; indistinguishable.
Exactly
Signifies agreement or recognition.
So you're saying that we have only three days left? — Yes, exactly!
Identical
(not comparable) Not different or other; not another or others; not different as regards self; selfsame; numerically identical.
Exactly
In an exact manner; precisely according to a rule, standard, or fact; accurately; strictly; correctly; nicely.
His enemies were pleased, for he had acted exactly as their interests required.
Identical
Of twins, sharing the same genetic code.
Exactly
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
Identical
Exactly equivalent.
Exactly
Just as it should be;
`Precisely, my lord,' he said
Identical
Approximating or approaching exact equivalence.
Exactly
In a precise manner;
She always expressed herself precisely
Identical
Something which has exactly the same properties as something else.
Exactly
To the very point or degree.
The recipe calls for exactly one teaspoon of salt.
Identical
An identical twin.
Identical
The same; the selfsame; the very same; not different; as, the identical person or thing.
I can not remember a thing that happened a year ago, without a conviction . . . that I, the same identical person who now remember that event, did then exist.
Identical
Uttering sameness or the same truth; expressing in the predicate what is given, or obviously implied, in the subject; tautological.
When you say body is solid, I say that you make an identical proposition, because it is impossible to have the idea of body without that of solidity.
Identical
Exactly alike; incapable of being perceived as different;
Rows of identical houses
Cars identical except for their license plates
They wore indistinguishable hats
Identical
Being the exact same one; not any other:;
This is the identical room we stayed in before
The themes of his stories are one and the same
Saw the selfsame quotation in two newspapers
On this very spot
The very thing he said yesterday
The very man I want to see
Identical
(of twins) derived from a single egg or ovum;
Identical twins are monovular
Identical
Having properties with uniform values along all axes
Identical
Coinciding exactly when superimposed;
Identical triangles
Common Curiosities
Is "exactly" used to show emphasis?
Yes, "exactly" can emphasize precision or agreement.
Can "exactly" modify nouns?
No, "exactly" typically modifies verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs.
Can "exactly" be used in time expressions?
Yes, such as "exactly at noon."
Can "exactly" indicate agreement?
Yes, e.g., "Exactly, that's what I mean."
What does "exactly" mean?
"Exactly" means with complete accuracy or precision.
Is "identical" used in science?
Yes, to describe indistinguishable entities, e.g., "identical molecules."
What does "identical" mean?
"Identical" means being the same in every detail.
Is "identical" used in everyday conversation?
Yes, often to describe things that are completely the same.
Can "identical" describe actions?
No, "identical" describes nouns that are the same in every way.
Does "identical" apply to people?
Yes, like "identical twins."
Can "exactly" be used in measurements?
Yes, e.g., "exactly 5 inches."
Does "identical" imply similarity or sameness?
"Identical" implies complete sameness, not just similarity.
Does "exactly" modify degrees of comparison?
No, it emphasizes precision, not comparison degrees.
Is "identical" synonymous with "similar"?
No, "identical" means the same, whereas "similar" means nearly the same.
Can "exactly" stress the importance of instructions?
Yes, e.g., "Follow the steps exactly."
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Fax vs. Telefax
Next Comparison
Weasel vs. OtterAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
