# strict

/ˈstɹɪkt/ (US) · /stɹˈɪkt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/strict
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. demanding obedience

adjective · CEFR B1

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

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

- My parents were very strict about us finishing our homework before watching TV.
- The headteacher maintained a strict disciplinary code, believing that clear boundaries were essential for the students' academic success.

### 2. exact or precise

adjective · CEFR B2

following the exact meaning of something without any changes.

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

- In the strict sense of the word, a tomato is actually a fruit.
- The lawyer argued for a strict interpretation of the contract, insisting that the literal phrasing took precedence over the spirit of the agreement.

### 3. complete or absolute

adjective · CEFR B2

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

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

- The medical results are kept in strict confidence between the doctor and the patient.
- The research was conducted under conditions of strict secrecy to prevent competitors from discovering the new formula before the patent was filed.

### 4. botany

adjective · CEFR C2 · Technical

describes a plant that grows very straight and narrow.

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

- The gardener chose a strict variety of evergreen to fit in the narrow space.
- The species is easily identified by its strict inflorescence, which stands in sharp contrast to the more diffuse clusters of its relatives.

## Examples

- My parents are very strict about my bedtime.
- The school has a strict policy against using mobile phones during lessons to ensure students stay focused.
- While the regulations appear flexible on paper, the local authorities maintain a strict adherence to the original text, leaving little room for administrative discretion.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.