Meaning & use
less strict
Last updated
UK/les strɪkt/
US/les strɪkt/
Meaning
adjectivecomparable
not as firm or severe in making people obey rules as someone or something else.
Grammar: Used before a noun or after a linking verb: a less strict teacher; the rules are less strict now.
Patterns
- less strict than someone/something
- less strict about something
- make something less strict
My new school is less strict than my old one.
Some parents are less strict about screen time than others.
The government made the dress code less strict after complaints.
Common combinations
- less strict than
- This teacher is less strict than Mr. Lee.
- less strict about
- They are less strict about punctuality on Fridays.
- become less strict
- The rules became less strict over time.
- far less strict
- The new policy is far less strict than the old one.
Synonyms and how they differ
- more lenient
- Sounds more formal and often suggests being forgiving rather than just having fewer rules.
- more relaxed
- Focuses on a calm, easygoing attitude rather than on rules themselves.
Opposites
strictermore strict
Word family
- strict adjective
- Demanding that rules be followed exactly.
- strictly adverb
- In a way that demands rules be followed.
- strictness noun
- The quality of being strict.
Practice
Choose the correct sentence.
Choose one answer.
Use 'than' after a comparative like 'less strict'. The other prepositions do not fit comparisons.
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