严格的
A strict person follows rules closely and expects others to do the same.
Explanation at your level:
A strict person likes rules. If a teacher is strict, you must listen and be quiet. You cannot do whatever you want when someone is strict with you.
When you are strict, you follow the rules very carefully. Parents can be strict if they have many rules for their children. It means you are not flexible.
Using strict shows that you expect high standards. For example, a strict diet means you only eat specific foods. It is often used to describe laws or regulations that are enforced without exceptions.
Strict implies a rigorous adherence to a standard. It is often used in professional contexts like strict deadlines or strict confidentiality. The nuance is that there is no room for negotiation or error.
In advanced English, strict can describe logical or mathematical precision. We might talk about a strict interpretation of a text or a strict logical proof. It conveys a sense of unyielding accuracy and discipline.
At the C2 level, strict is used to denote an uncompromising stance. It can describe strict constructionism in law, where the constitution is read exactly as written. It captures the essence of rigidity and absolute compliance in high-stakes environments.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Strict means firm and precise.
- It is an adjective.
- Commonly used with rules.
- Opposite of lenient.
When we call someone strict, we are describing their personality or their management style. A strict person is someone who believes that rules are meant to be followed exactly as they are written, with very little room for bending or breaking them.
You might encounter this word in school, where a strict teacher ensures that homework is turned in on time and that the classroom remains quiet. It isn't necessarily a bad thing; being strict can also mean being very precise or thorough in how you perform a task.
The word strict comes from the Latin word strictus, which is the past participle of stringere, meaning 'to draw tight' or 'to compress.' It shares the same root as words like constrict or stringent.
Historically, the word evolved through Middle French before entering English in the 16th century. Originally, it was used to describe things that were physically tight or bound, but over time, it shifted to describe the 'tight' nature of rules, discipline, and moral behavior.
In daily life, we often use strict to describe authority figures or dietary habits. You will frequently hear phrases like strict rules, strict diet, or strict discipline.
It is a neutral-to-formal word. While it can sound a bit harsh when describing a person, it is perfectly acceptable in professional settings, such as saying, 'We must adhere to strict safety protocols to prevent accidents in the factory.'
1. Strictly speaking: Used to introduce a statement that is technically correct but perhaps not the whole story. 2. Strictly business: Refers to a situation where there is no room for socializing. 3. Strictly off-limits: Something that is absolutely forbidden. 4. Strictly speaking: A common way to clarify a point. 5. Strictly enforced: Rules that are backed by strong consequences.
Strict is an adjective, so it usually comes before a noun (e.g., a strict parent) or after a linking verb (e.g., the teacher is strict). The comparative form is stricter, and the superlative is strictest.
Pronunciation: In both British and American English, it is pronounced /strɪkt/. It rhymes with dict, flicked, picked, kicked, and licked. The 'str' cluster at the beginning is a common English consonant blend.
Fun Fact
It shares a root with 'string'.
Pronunciation Guide
Short 'i' sound, clear 't' at the end.
Similar to UK, crisp 't' sounds.
Common Errors
- Dropping the 't' at the end
- Adding an extra syllable
- Mispronouncing the 'str' blend
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy
Easy
Easy
Easy
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Adjective placement
A strict teacher
Adverb usage
Strictly speaking
Comparative adjectives
Stricter
Examples by Level
My teacher is very strict.
teacher = 老师
Adjective after verb 'is'.
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My parents are strict about bedtime.
The school has strict rules.
He is on a strict diet.
She is a strict boss.
They follow a strict schedule.
The rules are very strict.
Is he a strict person?
We need strict discipline.
The company has a strict policy on lateness.
He follows a strict training program for the marathon.
Strict adherence to the law is required.
She grew up in a strict household.
The budget is very strict this year.
We are under strict instructions to stay here.
He is a strict vegetarian.
The judge is known for being strict.
Strictly speaking, you are not allowed to be here.
The project requires strict attention to detail.
They maintain a strict separation between work and home.
The government imposed strict sanctions.
There is a strict limit on how many guests can attend.
He is a strict follower of the philosophy.
The safety regulations are strictly enforced.
She maintains a strict routine every morning.
The professor has a strict interpretation of the data.
We must apply a strict standard of quality control.
The treaty requires strict compliance from all nations.
He adheres to a strict code of ethics.
There is a strict distinction between the two concepts.
The building has strict security protocols.
She has a strict approach to problem-solving.
The rules are strictly hierarchical.
The court took a strict constructionist view of the statute.
His work is characterized by a strict adherence to classical forms.
The experiment requires strict isolation from external noise.
He is a strict disciplinarian in the classroom.
The company enforces a strict non-disclosure policy.
She maintains a strict neutrality in the dispute.
The logic follows a strict sequence of events.
Strictly speaking, the deal is not yet finalized.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"Strictly speaking"
According to the exact meaning of words
Strictly speaking, a tomato is a fruit.
neutral"Strictly business"
Not for fun or social reasons
This meeting is strictly business.
neutral"Strictly off-limits"
Forbidden
That room is strictly off-limits.
casual"Keep a strict eye on"
To watch very carefully
Keep a strict eye on the kids.
casual"Strictly prohibited"
Absolutely not allowed
Smoking is strictly prohibited.
formalEasily Confused
Similar root
Stringent is for rules/laws.
Stringent laws.
Similar meaning
Stern describes a facial expression.
A stern look.
Similar meaning
Rigid is for physical things.
A rigid bar.
Similar meaning
Firm is more positive.
A firm handshake.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + is + strict + with + object
He is strict with his kids.
Subject + has + strict + rules
The school has strict rules.
Strictly + speaking, + clause
Strictly speaking, I am late.
Be + strict + about + noun
Be strict about safety.
A + strict + adherence + to + noun
A strict adherence to the law.
Word Family
Nouns
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
7
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
Strict is an adjective, not a verb.
Strictness is a noun, strict is the adjective.
Preposition usage.
Strict does not take 'of'.
Use -er for one-syllable adjectives.
Tips
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a string tied tightly around a rulebook.
When Native Speakers Use It
To describe teachers or gym trainers.
Cultural Insight
Strict parenting is a common topic of debate.
Grammar Shortcut
Strict is an adjective, strictly is the adverb.
Say It Right
Don't forget the 't' at the end.
Don't Make This Mistake
Don't use 'strict' as a verb.
Did You Know?
It comes from the Latin for 'tight'.
Study Smart
Use it with 'rules' to remember it.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Strict teachers are like strings tied tight.
Visual Association
A teacher with a ruler.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to use 'strictly' in a sentence today.
Word Origin
Latin
Original meaning: To draw tight
Cultural Context
Can imply a lack of warmth if overused.
Often associated with traditional parenting or rigorous academic environments.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At school
- strict teacher
- strict rules
- strict deadline
At home
- strict parents
- strict bedtime
- strict chores
At work
- strict policy
- strict budget
- strict schedule
Health
- strict diet
- strict routine
- strict exercise
Conversation Starters
"Do you think strict teachers are better?"
"Were your parents strict?"
"Is it good to be strict with yourself?"
"What is a strict rule you have?"
"Why do some people prefer strict bosses?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a strict person you know.
Is it better to be strict or lenient?
What happens when rules are not strict?
Write about a time you had to follow strict rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsNot necessarily; it depends on the context.
Yes, it means you have self-discipline.
Strictly.
Lenient or lax.
It is neutral.
Usually for rules, not objects.
Yes, it is the noun form.
Yes, if it's before a noun.
Test Yourself
My teacher is very ___.
Strict describes a teacher's rules.
What does a strict person do?
Strict people value rules.
Strict means flexible.
Strict is the opposite of flexible.
Word
Meaning
Synonyms and antonyms.
Adjective placement.
Score: /5
Summary
To be strict is to follow rules without exception.
- Strict means firm and precise.
- It is an adjective.
- Commonly used with rules.
- Opposite of lenient.
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a string tied tightly around a rulebook.
When Native Speakers Use It
To describe teachers or gym trainers.
Cultural Insight
Strict parenting is a common topic of debate.
Grammar Shortcut
Strict is an adjective, strictly is the adverb.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
More academic words
缺席
B1The state of being absent from a place or event where one is expected to be, such as a class, meeting, or ceremony.
抽象的
A2Abstract.
抽象地
B1In an abstract manner; conceptually.
艰深
B1Profound; abstruse; recondite.
学术性
A2Academic; scholarly; relating to education and scholarship.
学术化
B1Academic; characterized by formal study or research.
学术会议
A2Academic conference; a formal meeting for academic discussions.
学术交流
B1Exchange of ideas, information, and research among scholars.
学术期刊
B1A periodical publication containing scholarly articles.
教务处
A2Academic affairs office; department handling educational administration.
