Definition

Adverb: Used to indicate that a statement is true or accurate only when interpreted in the most precise or literal sense, often to clarify or correct a more general or informal way of speaking.

Usage

The phrase "strictly speaking" is used to introduce a more precise, technically correct, or literal interpretation of a situation, often contrasting with a common or less formal understanding. It signals that the speaker is about to clarify the exact facts or definitions.

Examples

• Strictly speaking, a tomato is a fruit, not a vegetable.
• He is, strictly speaking, the manager, but the assistant runs the day-to-day operations.
• Strictly speaking, the meeting should have started at nine o'clock sharp.

Advanced Usage

• To be technically correct: "Strictly speaking" is often synonymous with "technically speaking" or "to be precise." It is used in academic, legal, technical, or formal discussions to point out a factual nuance.
  • Strictly speaking, the theory has not been conclusively proven.
• Contrasting with common usage: It highlights the difference between formal definition and common practice or informal language.
  • We call it a starfish, but strictly speaking, it's not a fish at all.

Variants and Related Words

• Technically speaking (adv.): Used in a very similar way to introduce a statement that is technically accurate.
• Properly speaking (adv.): A formal synonym for "strictly speaking."
• To be precise (phrase): Used to introduce a more exact statement.
• In the strict sense (phrase): Meaning according to the most exact definition.

Synonyms

• Technically
• Precisely
• Literally
• Actually
• Formally

Related Phrases

• In fact: Used to state what is true, often contrasting with what was believed. (Less focused on technical precision than "strictly speaking.")
• As a matter of fact: Similar to "in fact," used to introduce a true piece of information.

Adverb

1. in actual fact
   • properly speaking, they are not husband and wife