strictly
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adverb 1. In a rigorous, exact, or demanding manner; with no deviation or leniency. - This meaning emphasizes adhering precisely to rules, standards, or definitions. 2. Exclusively or entirely; restricted to a specific thing. - This meaning indicates a limitation in scope, focus, or application.
Usage and Examples
In a rigorous/demanding manner:
- The rules were strictly enforced. (The rules were applied with no exceptions.)
- This is strictly confidential information. (This information must be treated with the utmost secrecy and care.)
- The teacher graded the essays strictly. (The teacher applied very demanding standards when grading.)
Exclusively or restricted to:
- The meeting is strictly for members only. (The meeting is exclusively for members; no one else is allowed.)
- "Let's talk strictly business," he said. (He proposed limiting the conversation exclusively to business matters.)
- The diet strictly prohibits sugar. (The diet completely and exclusively forbids sugar.)
Advanced Usage and Nuances
- "Strictly speaking": Used to indicate that a statement is true according to the most precise or literal definition, even if it is not true in a more general or practical sense.
- Strictly speaking, a tomato is a fruit, not a vegetable.
- The adverb can intensify adjectives related to control, secrecy, or limitation (e.g., ).
Variants and Related Words
- Strict (adjective): Demanding that rules are obeyed; exact and precise.
- She is a very strict teacher.
- Strictness (noun): The quality or condition of being strict.
- The strictness of the regime was well-known.
Synonyms
- Rigorously: In an extremely thorough and careful way.
- Stringently: In a very strict and severe manner.
- Exactly: In a precise and accurate manner.
- Exclusively: Solely; only.
- Purely: Wholly; entirely.
Antonyms
- Loosely: In a way that is not strict, exact, or firmly controlled.
- Leniently: In a permissive or merciful manner.
- Broadly: In a general way, without focusing on details.
Common Phrases and Collocations
- Strictly forbidden/prohibited: Completely and absolutely not allowed.
- Strictly necessary: Absolutely required, with nothing extra.
- Strictly between us: A phrase emphasizing that information must remain a secret shared only by the people involved.
- Strictly adhere to: To follow a rule or principle exactly and without deviation.
Adverb
- in a rigorous manner
- he had been trained rigorously by the monks
- in a stringent manner
- the laws are stringently enforced
- stringently controlled
- restricted to something
- we talked strictly business