strictly speaking
Học thuậtThân thiện
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
- in actual fact
- properly speaking, they are not husband and wife