Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Demanding exact conformity to rules or standards: "strict" describes someone who enforces rules precisely or a situation where rules must be followed without exception.
   • Severe and unyielding in discipline or judgment: It characterizes an attitude or approach that is severe, stern, and allows no compromise.
   • Rigidly accurate; allowing no deviation: It refers to a precise interpretation or application that leaves no room for flexibility.
   • Absolute or complete: In some contexts, it means absolute or total, often used for emphasis.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The school has a strict policy against bullying. (The school's anti-bullying rules are precise and must be followed.)
  • She is a strict teacher who expects perfect homework. (She is a demanding and precise teacher.)
  • He follows a strict interpretation of the law. (He applies the law with rigid accuracy.)
  • They live in strict seclusion. (They live in complete seclusion.)

Advanced Usage

• "in the strict sense (of the word)": meaning according to the most precise or narrow definition.
  • He is not, in the strict sense, a doctor, but a medical researcher.
• "strict with" vs. "strict about": "Strict with" is used for people (e.g., ), while "strict about" is used for rules or principles (e.g., ).

Variants and Related Words

• Strictly (adverb): in a strict manner.
  • Smoking is strictly prohibited.
• Strictness (noun): the quality of being strict.
  • The strictness of the rules surprised everyone.

Synonyms

• Rigorous: extremely thorough and accurate.
• Stringent: having very strict regulations or requirements.
• Stern: serious and unrelenting, especially in discipline.
• Exacting: making great demands on one's skill or attention.

Antonyms

• Lenient: more permissive or tolerant, especially in discipline.
• Flexible: capable of bending or adapting easily.
• Lax: not sufficiently strict or severe.

Related Phrases

• Strict liability (legal term): liability which does not depend on proof of negligence or intent.
  • The company faced strict liability for the defective product.
• Strict constructionism (legal/political term): a judicial philosophy of interpreting the Constitution based on its original meaning.

Adjective

1. severe and unremitting in making demands
   • an exacting instructor
   • a stern disciplinarian
   • strict standards
2. incapable of compromise or flexibility
3. characterized by strictness, severity, or restraint
4. (of rules) stringently enforced
   • hard-and-fast rules
5. rigidly accurate; allowing no deviation from a standard
   • rigorous application of the law
   • a strict vegetarian