Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English - exactly

~ adv 1 used to emphasize that a particular number, amount, or piece of information is completely correct  (We were wearing exactly the same clothes. | It's exactly half past five. | exactly where/what/when etc)  (Tell me exactly what he said. | Exactly where does Petra live?) 2 used to emphasize a statement  (He gave exactly the reply they wanted to hear. | That's exactly what we've been trying to tell you.) 3 exactly 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 and move to the country?" "Exactly.") 4 not exactly a) used as a reply to show that you think 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.") b) used when you say the opposite of what you mean, either as a humorous remark, or to show that you are annoyed  (Imagine calling me fat! I mean, she's not exactly thin herself, is she? | I wouldn't bother asking Dave, he's not exactly Einstein, is he?) 5 why/what/where etc exactly...? used when asking someone to tell you the exact place, reason, thing etc  (Where exactly did you stay in Portugal?) 6 I don't know exactly/I don't exactly know used to say that you are not sure about something  ("What does he want?" "I don't know exactly, but he said it's really urgent.") 7 that's exactly what.... used to say that what someone has said, done etc is exactly the same as what you or another person said, did etc  ("I don't think he should leave his job." "That's exactly what I told him yesterday.")