'exacting' originates from the Latin word 'exigere,' where 'ex-' meant 'out' and 'agere' meant 'to drive.'

'exigere' transformed into the French word 'exiger,' and eventually became the modern English word 'exact' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to drive out or demand,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'demanding a lot of effort or attention.'