strictly
- 1In a way that follows the rules closely, with no exceptions allowed.
Like a guard who follows every rule and never lets anyone break it.
The coach strictly checked that everyone arrived on time.
Pets are strictly not allowed inside the store.
Similarrigorously, firmly, rigidly, stringently, expressly
Oppositeloosely, leniently, laxly
Note
- 2Only, and limited to a single thing or purpose.
Like a door marked 'members only' that lets no one else in.
This room is strictly for staff.
The trip is strictly for fun, not for work.
Similarexclusively, solely, only, purely, entirely
Note
- 3In an exact, narrow meaning, without a looser or wider sense.
Like using the exact meaning of a word, not a loose one.
Strictly, a tomato is a fruit, not a vegetable.
A bat is not strictly a bird, even though it flies.
Similartechnically, precisely, exactly, literally, properly
Oppositeloosely, roughly, broadly
Note
- 4In math, in a way that holds for every part, never staying equal or level.
Like climbing stairs where every step goes higher and you never stop on the same level.
This function is strictly increasing, so it always goes up.
The numbers are strictly greater than zero, never equal to it.
Oppositeweakly
Note
Practice
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Origin
It comes from "strict" plus the ending "-ly".