ENGLISH
REFERENCE

strict

adj.
US //ˈstɹɪkt// UK //stɹˈɪkt// strict
  1. 1 demanding obedience (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    expecting people to obey rules and behaving in a severe way if they do not.

    enforcing or observing exact rules with little or no flexibility; severe in discipline.

    Example

    My parents were very strict about us finishing our homework before watching TV.

    Example

    The headteacher maintained a strict disciplinary code, believing that clear boundaries were essential for the students' academic success.
  2. 2 exact or precise (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    following the exact meaning of something without any changes.

    characterized by precise accuracy or a literal interpretation of a rule or definition.

    Example

    In the strict sense of the word, a tomato is actually a fruit.

    Example

    The lawyer argued for a strict interpretation of the contract, insisting that the literal phrasing took precedence over the spirit of the agreement.
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  1. 3 complete or absolute (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    used to emphasize that something must be kept totally secret or private.

    absolute or complete; often used to describe levels of privacy or confidentiality.

    Example

    The medical results are kept in strict confidence between the doctor and the patient.

    Example

    The research was conducted under conditions of strict secrecy to prevent competitors from discovering the new formula before the patent was filed.
  2. 4 botany (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    describes a plant that grows very straight and narrow.

    describing a plant or flower cluster that is upright, straight, and narrow in form.

    Example

    The gardener chose a strict variety of evergreen to fit in the narrow space.

    Example

    The species is easily identified by its strict inflorescence, which stands in sharp contrast to the more diffuse clusters of its relatives.
Origin

Borrowed from Latin strictus, past participle of stringere (“to draw tight, bind, contract”). Doublet of strait and stretto. See stringent, strain. Related to strong.

Word family

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