Definition
Used to indicate that someone or something is slightly different from a particular description.
He's not exactly handsome, but he has a certain charm.
It's not exactly the best picture of them, but it's the best of the lot.
She wasn't exactly typecast as an aging socialite, but it came close.
Used to indicate that something is not completely true.
"So you gave her your iPod?" "Not exactly, I just lent it to her."
"So the British won the war?" "Well, not exactly."
"You were planning on leaving the area." "Not exactly. I planned on coming back eventually."
Used to indicate that something is the opposite of a particular description.
Answer the question - it's not exactly difficult.
Journalists aren't exactly known for their compassion.
Smoked salmon and fresh figs aren't exactly the kind of things we eat most days.