accuracy
UK[ˈækjərəsi]US[ˈækjərəsi]
n
The quality or state of being correct or precise.
n
The degree to which the result of a measurement, calculation, or specification conforms to the correct value or a standard.
Morpheme Breakdown
ac
cura
cy
ac
to, towards
cura
care
cy
state or quality
Etymology
The word 'accuracy' traces its lineage to the Latin verb 'accurare', meaning 'to take care of', which itself is a compound of 'ad-' (to) and 'cura' (care). This literal sense of applying careful attention evolved through Late Latin 'accuratia' and into English via French 'accuratesse'. The core semantic logic connects the ancient concept of meticulous care with the modern abstract quality of precision and correctness, as carefulness naturally leads to freedom from error. The suffix '-cy' formalizes this action into a noun denoting the resulting state or quality.
Analysis
Structure: ac (to, towards) + cura (care) + cy (state or quality)
- ac: A prefix from Latin 'ad-', meaning 'to, towards'. It often indicates direction or addition.
- cura: A root from Latin 'cura', meaning 'care, concern, attention'.
- cy: A noun-forming suffix from Latin '-tia' (via Old French '-cie'), indicating a state, condition, or quality.
Examples
The accuracy of the witness's account was crucial for the investigation.
This digital scale is prized for its high accuracy in measurements.
Journalists have a responsibility to report the news with factual accuracy.