Reading Theme:

Language:

Font Size:

📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Strict: Meaning, Examples, and Common Usage (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：rigidly enforced (strict)

strict 🔊

/strɪkt/

adj.

Used to describe rules or requirements that must be obeyed completely, with no exceptions.

Strict traffic regulation signs on a city street

rigidly enforced 🔊

➕

/ˈrɪdʒɪdli ɪnˈfɔːrst/

adj.

Describes rules or requirements that must be obeyed exactly, allowing no flexibility or exceptions.

📁 Category：Laws & Regulations 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Latin 'strictus', from 'stringere' (draw tight). Means bound or constrained.

💡 Mnemonic

Strict = stick + rigid; imagine a teacher with a stick enforcing rules.

📖 Example

The school has strict rules about mobile phone use during class time. 🔊 The school has very strict regulations regarding the use of mobile phones during class time.

🔗 Collocations

strict rule – a rule that must be obeyed without exception

strict requirement – a condition that is mandatory and inflexible

strict enforcement – the act of ensuring rules are followed precisely

🔄 Synonyms

stringent (adj.) – Imposing rigorous standards; very strict.

rigorous (adj.) – Extremely thorough, accurate, and strict.

exacting (adj.) – Making great demands on one's skill, attention, or other resources; strict.

🚫 Antonyms

lenient (adj.) – Permitting deviation from rules; not strict.

flexible (adj.) – Able to change or adapt; not rigid.

🌱 Derivatives

strictly (adv.) – In a strict manner; without exception.

strictness (n.) – The quality of being strict.

stricture (n.) – A restriction or criticism.

📖 Cultural Story

In ancient Rome, 'strictus' described military discipline. Later adopted in English law to mean exact adherence. Common in rules, parenting, and contracts.

Meaning 2：strictly demanding (strict)

strict 🔊

/strɪkt/

adj.

Used to describe a person who demands that rules are always followed and does not accept mistakes.

Strict teacher pointing at class rules on chalkboard

strictly demanding 🔊

➕

/ˈstrɪktli dɪˈmændɪŋ/

adj.

Describes a person who requires that rules be followed precisely and does not tolerate mistakes or leniency.

📁 Category：Social Roles 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

My dad is very strict about finishing homework before watching TV. 🔊 My father is very strict about requiring homework to be completed before he allows TV time.

🔗 Collocations

strict parent – a parent who sets firm rules and enforces them consistently

strict teacher – a teacher who demands discipline and high standards from students

strict boss – a manager who insists on punctuality and quality work with no excuses

🔄 Synonyms

stern (adj.) – Serious and strict in manner or attitude.

authoritarian (adj.) – Demanding total obedience and strict adherence to rules.

disciplinarian (n.) – A person who believes in or enforces strict discipline.

🚫 Antonyms

permissive (adj.) – Allowing freedom of behaviour; not strict.

lax (adj.) – Not sufficiently strict or careful.

🌱 Derivatives

strictly (adv.) – In a strict manner; especially regarding rules.

strictness (n.) – The quality of being strict in enforcing rules.