strictly

Meanings

1. 1adverbnot comparable

   In a way that follows rules exactly and allows no exceptions.

   Grammar: Often goes before a past participle or verb: strictly enforced.

   Patterns

   • strictly forbidden
   • strictly follow something

   Phones are strictly forbidden in the exam room.

   The school rules are strictly enforced.

   He followed the recipe strictly, measuring every ingredient.

2. 2adverbnot comparable

   Used to say that something applies only to one narrow group or purpose and to nothing else.

   Grammar: Often before a preposition or adjective: strictly for members.

   Patterns

   • strictly for someone
   • strictly between us

   This room is strictly for staff.

   What I tell you is strictly between ourselves.

   The tickets are strictly for family and friends.

3. 3adverbnot comparable

   Used to give the exact, narrow meaning of something, in the phrase strictly speaking.

   Grammar: Usually in the fixed phrase strictly speaking, at the start of a clause.

   Patterns

   • strictly speaking, ...

   Strictly speaking, a tomato is a fruit.

   Strictly speaking, we are not open until nine.

   She is not, strictly speaking, my aunt but a close friend.

Common combinations

strictly speaking

Strictly speaking, the meeting starts at ten.

strictly forbidden

Smoking is strictly forbidden here.

strictly confidential

The report is strictly confidential.

strictly enforce

The rule is strictly enforced.

strictly business

This meeting is strictly business.

Synonyms and how they differ

rigidly

Rigidly suggests inflexibility and can sound critical, while strictly is more neutral about rule-following.

exactly

Exactly stresses precision without any suggestion of rules or punishment.

solely

Solely means only, and it lacks the sense of rules that strictly can carry.

Opposites

Word family

strict adjective

demanding obedience to rules

strictness noun

the quality of being strict

stricter adjective

more demanding

Commonly confused: strictly or restrictedly?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “strictly”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words