strictly

UK: /ˈstrɪktli/ US: (strikt′lē)

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

strict•ly  (strikt′lē), adv. 

1. in a strict manner;
   rigorously;
   stringently:
   strictly enforced.
2. precisely or candidly;
   factually:
   strictly speaking.

• strict + -ly 1480–90

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

strict /strɪkt/   adj., -er, -est. 

1. closely agreeing with requirements or principles:
   a strict observance of rituals.
2. severe;
   demanding:
   We have strict traffic laws.
3. exact;
   precise;
   carefully limited:
   It wasn't robbery in the strict sense of the word.
4. absolute;
   complete:
   strict silence.

strict•ly, adv. 
strict•ness, n. [uncountable] See -strict-.

-strict-, root. 

1. -strict- comes from Latin, where it has the meaning "draw tight;
   bind;
   tighten.'' This meaning is found in such words as: constrict, district, redistrict, restrict, strict, stricture.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

strict  (strikt), adj., -er, -est. 

1. characterized by or acting in close conformity to requirements or principles:
   a strict observance of rituals.
2. stringent or exacting in or in enforcing rules, requirements, obligations, etc.:
   strict laws; a strict judge.
3. closely or rigorously enforced or maintained:
   strict silence.
4. exact or precise:
   a strict statement of facts.
5. extremely defined or conservative;
   narrowly or carefully limited:
   a strict construction of the Constitution.
6. close, careful, or minute:
   a strict search.
7. absolute, perfect, or complete;
   utmost:
   told in strict confidence.
8. stern;
   severe;
   austere:
   strict parents.
9. [Obs.] drawn tight or close.

• Latin strictus, equivalent. to strig-, variant stem of stringere to draw tight + -tus past participle suffix
• 1570–80

strict′ness, n. 
Synonyms

• 1. narrow, illiberal, harsh, austere.
  Strict, rigid, rigorous, stringent imply inflexibility, severity, and an exacting quality.
  Strict implies great exactness, esp. in the observance or enforcement of rules:
  strict discipline.
  Rigid, literally stiff or unbending, applies to that which is (often unnecessarily or narrowly) inflexible:
  rigid economy.
  Rigorous, with the same literal meaning, applies to that which is severe, exacting, and uncompromising, esp. in action or application:
  rigorous self-denial.
  Stringent applies to that which is vigorously exacting and severe:
  stringent measures to suppress disorder.
• 4. accurate, scrupulous.

Antonyms

• 1. flexible, lax.