'precise' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'praecisus,' where 'prae-' meant 'before' and 'caedere' meant 'to cut.'

'praecisus' transformed into the Old French word 'precis,' and eventually became the modern English word 'precise' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'cut short or concise,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'exact or accurate.'