straitlaced
Definition
Adjective: 1. Excessively strict in manners, morals, or opinions: Describes a person who is very rigid, formal, and conventional in behavior, often showing strong disapproval of anything considered improper or unconventional.
Usage
This adjective is used to describe a person's character or attitude. It often carries a slightly critical or humorous tone, implying that the person is overly strict or old-fashioned. - It typically precedes a noun (e.g., a straitlaced official) or follows a linking verb like "be" or "seem" (e.g., He is very straitlaced). - The term suggests a rigidity that goes beyond simple politeness or good manners.
Examples
- The headmaster banned all music he considered modern.
- Her parents were shocked by the idea of her traveling alone.
- He has a reputation at the office, never joining colleagues for casual drinks.
- The novel satirizes the society of the Victorian era.
Advanced Usage
- "straitlaced" as a modifier in compound descriptions: The term can be used to characterize not just people, but also the atmosphere or rules they create.
- They grew up in a straitlaced household where emotions were rarely shown.
- The company's straitlaced culture discourages innovation.
Variants and Related Words
- Strait-laced: An alternative, hyphenated spelling of the same word.
- Prim (adj.): Neat, formal, and respectable to the point of being excessive. (e.g., )
- Prudish (adj.): Easily shocked by matters related to sex or nudity; excessively modest. (This is stronger and more specific than ).
- Puritanical (adj.): Having very strict moral attitudes, often related to religion. (This often implies a judgmental aspect).
Synonyms
- Prim
- Priggish
- Proper
- Prudish
- Victorian
- Uptight (informal)
Antonyms
- Liberal
- Permissive
- Unconventional
- Bohemian
- Easygoing
Related Idioms
- To be a stickler for the rules: To insist on strict obedience to rules. (This describes behavior, while describes character).
- The straitlaced manager was a stickler for the dress code.
Adjective
-
exaggeratedly proper
-
my straitlaced Aunt Anna doesn't approve of my miniskirts
-
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