strictly
gb/stɹˈɪktli/ us/stɹˈɪktli/
B2
English
~ 6200
Senses
0 senses
adverb
B2
property
1
in a way allowing no exceptions
In a way that follows rules very hard and does not allow any change or breaks.
Usage pattern:
strictly [adjective/past participle] (e.g. forbidden, controlled, enforced)
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use "very strictly rules" instead of the correct order "very strict rules" (adjective) or "follow the rules strictly" (adverb). Another mistake is using "strict" instead of "strictly" with verbs, e.g. "The school strict follows the rules" instead of "The school strictly follows the rules."
Synonyms
rigidly (Suggests a very stiff, inflexible way of following rules, similar to "strictly" but often with a slightly more negative tone.)
Antonyms
leniently (Describes allowing more freedom and exceptions to rules, the opposite of enforcing rules strictly.)
Collocations
strictly forbidden
|strictly enforced
|strictly controlled
|strictly limited
|strictly required
|strictly against the rules
Themes
law
|work
|education
Examples
- Smoking is strictly forbidden anywhere in the hospital.
- The company strictly enforces its privacy policy.
- Access to the lab is strictly controlled for safety reasons.
- Students must strictly follow the exam instructions.
- These guidelines are strictly applied to all employees.
Learner examples
- Smoking is strictly forbidden in this room.
- Our teacher strictly follows the school rules.
- The door is strictly locked after 10 p.m.
- You must strictly follow the safety rules.
- Phones are strictly not allowed during the test.
adverb
B2
property
2
only; exclusively; and nothing else
Used to say that something is only for one purpose or group and not for anything or anyone else.
Usage pattern:
strictly [for/to] [group/purpose]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this meaning with "seriously" and say things like "This is seriously business" instead of "This is strictly business." They may also forget that "strictly" here means "only" and translate it too literally as "with many rules."
Synonyms
exclusively (Very close in meaning; often slightly more formal and common in written language, while "strictly" can sound a bit stronger or more emphatic.)
Antonyms
partly (Suggests that something is only to some degree or not only for one purpose, the opposite of the idea of "only" or "exclusively" in this sense.)
Collocations
strictly business
|strictly for adults
|strictly personal
|strictly limited to
|strictly necessary
|strictly professional
Themes
work
|business
|media
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- This event is strictly for employees and their families.
- The trip is strictly business, not a vacation.
- Access to this folder is strictly limited to senior staff.
- The content of this email is strictly confidential.
- The club is strictly for members over 21.
Learner examples
- The party is strictly for students.
- This meeting is strictly business.
- The show is strictly for adults.
- This room is strictly for staff.
- The file is strictly for the manager.
adverb
C1
property
3
according to the exact meaning
Used when you want to be very exact with words or facts, often to say that something is true in a narrow or technical way.
Usage pattern:
strictly speaking, [clause]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use "strictly" here when they really mean "strongly" or "seriously." In the phrase "strictly speaking," it does not mean "speaking with many rules" but "speaking in a very exact way."
Synonyms
technically (Very close in meaning; "technically" is slightly more common in everyday speech, while "strictly" can sound a bit more formal or careful.)
Antonyms
broadly (Means "in a general way" or "not very exactly," which is the opposite of the narrow, exact focus of "strictly" in this sense.)
Collocations
strictly speaking
|strictly defined
|strictly accurate
|strictly true
|not strictly necessary
|not strictly correct
Themes
language
|logic
|academia
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Strictly speaking, this is a townhouse, not a traditional house.
- Your answer is not strictly correct, but it is close enough for this level.
- The term is strictly defined in the regulations.
- Strictly speaking, the company did not break the law.
- It is not strictly true that he never helps; he just helps rarely.
Learner examples
- Strictly speaking, this is not a city.
- The rule is very strictly defined in the book.
- That is not strictly true, but it is almost true.
- Strictly speaking, we arrived one minute late.
- Strictly speaking, this word has a different meaning.
Grammar
Dictionary form
strictly
IPA
GB/stɹˈɪktli/
US/stɹˈɪktli/
Syllables & stress
strictly (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (strictly)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: strictly
- Plural: strictlies
Word family
Forms
strictlies
noun
Core family
strict
adjective B1
strictness
noun
Related words
Negative and opposite forms
lenient
adjective
leniently
adverb
Expressions
strictly speaking
1/stɹˈɪktli spˈikɪŋ/
fixed phrase
to be exact; technically
Used before you say something that is true in a very exact way, even if people do not usually talk like that; similar to "technically."
Examples
- Strictly speaking, this is an apartment, not a house.
- Strictly speaking, this is not a loan but a gift.
- Strictly speaking, you should apply before the end of the month, but late applications are sometimes accepted.
- Strictly speaking, whales are mammals, not fish.
- Strictly speaking, that word is not used like that in formal English.