inexacte

Inexacte is an adjective used in Dutch and, in French, as the feminine form of the adjective inexact. It denotes not exact, imprecise, or approximate. The term is applied to data, measurements, statements, or conclusions that lack complete precision. In Dutch, it often accompanies the noun, as in een inexacte meting (an imprecise measurement) or een inexacte conclusie (an approximate conclusion).

Etymology: from Latin inexactus, composed of in- (not) + exactus (exact). The French form inexacte follows the same root, with feminine agreement. In Dutch, inexacte has been adopted through historical contact with Romance languages and usage in scientific and legal texts.

Usage: In scientific, statistical, or everyday discourse, inexacte describes uncertainty or approximation. In Dutch, it is often contrasted with nauwkeurig (accurate) or exact; in French, inexacte is common in descriptions of data or arguments. In computing or numerical contexts, the English term inexact is more usual, but some Dutch and French writers may use inexacte when referring to feminine nouns.

Translations: French – inexacte (feminine); masculine inexact. English – inexact. Other languages use equivalents such as inesatto (Italian) or inexacto (Spanish). See also imprecision, approximation.