Strict vs. Strictly — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 9, 2024
"Strict" is an adjective describing rigidity and exactness, while "strictly" is an adverb modifying the manner of an action's execution.
Difference Between Strict and Strictly
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Strict refers to something that is stringent, precise, or severe in nature, often applied to rules, behaviors, or methods. Strictly, as an adverb, describes how an action is carried out, emphasizing adherence to rules or guidelines without deviation.
While "strict" characterizes qualities like discipline and inflexibility, "strictly" implies a high level of conformity or limitation in actions or interpretations. For instance, a strict diet limits what can be eaten, whereas strictly following a diet means adhering to its rules without exception.
The use of "strict" often sets expectations or standards, such as in a strict teacher or strict quality control. "Strictly," however, communicates the extent of adherence to those expectations, as in "strictly prohibited" or "strictly enforced."
"Strict" is used to describe attributes or conditions that are unyielding or exacting, while "strictly" modifies actions, indicating a precise or limited manner of compliance.
Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Adjective
Adverb
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Function
Describes the nature of something, such as rules or behavior.
Modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, indicating manner.
Example Usage
"The school has strict guidelines for student conduct."
"This rule is strictly enforced by the administration."
Connotation
Suggests severity, rigidity, or precision.
Implies adherence or conformity without deviation.
Contexts
Used to set standards or expectations.
Used to describe the level of adherence to rules or standards.
Compare with Definitions
Strict
Characterized by or enforcing rigorous standards or rules.
The company has a strict dress code that all employees must follow.
Strictly
In a way that involves rigid enforcement or that allows no deviation from a standard.
Parking regulations are strictly enforced in the city center.
Strict
Not allowing for any exceptions or deviation from standards.
The teacher is strict about homework being submitted on time.
Strictly
With exactness; precisely.
The instructions must be followed strictly to ensure safety.
Strict
Demanding that rules concerning behavior are obeyed and observed.
Growing up with strict parents taught him discipline.
Strictly
Only; solely.
The fund is strictly designated for educational purposes.
Strict
Adhering closely to specified rules, guidelines, or standards.
The diet requires strict adherence to nutritional guidelines.
Strictly
In a narrow or limiting sense.
Speaking strictly in legal terms, the case lacks evidence.
Strict
Exercised or applied rigorously; severe; harsh.
The judge is known for her strict sentencing in cases of fraud.
Strictly
Used to indicate that something is to be adhered to precisely without exceptions.
This corridor is strictly for staff use only.
Strict
In mathematical writing, the term strict refers to the property of excluding equality and equivalence and often occurs in the context of inequality and monotonic functions. It is often attached to a technical term to indicate that the exclusive meaning of the term is to be understood.
Strictly
In a way that involves rigid enforcement or that demands obedience
He's been brought up strictly
Strict
Demanding that rules concerning behaviour are obeyed and observed
A strict upbringing
My father was very strict
Strictly
Used to indicate that one is applying words or rules exactly or rigidly
Strictly speaking, ham is a cured, cooked leg of pork
To be strictly accurate, there are two Wolvertons
Strict
(of a person) following rules or beliefs exactly
A strict vegetarian
Strictly
Rigorous in the imposition of discipline
A strict parent.
Strict
Exact in correspondence or adherence to something; not allowing or admitting deviation or relaxation
A strict interpretation of the law
Strictly
Conforming completely to established rule, principle, or condition
A strict vegetarian.
Strict
Rigorous in the imposition of discipline
A strict parent.
Strictly
Requiring close observance or demanding in expectations
Strict standards.
Strict
Conforming completely to established rule, principle, or condition
A strict vegetarian.
Strictly
Carefully maintained or observed
Strict silence.
Strict loyalty.
Strict
Requiring close observance or demanding in expectations
Strict standards.
Strictly
Not loose or vague; exact or precise
A strict definition.
Strict
Carefully maintained or observed
Strict silence.
Strict loyalty.
Strictly
(Botany) Stiff, narrow, and upright.
Strict
Not loose or vague; exact or precise
A strict definition.
Strictly
In a strict manner.
He adhered strictly to the diet his doctor prescribed.
Strict
(Botany) Stiff, narrow, and upright.
Strictly
In a limited manner; only
Strict
Strained; drawn close; tight.
Strict embrace
Strict ligature
Strictly
In a narrow or limited sense.
That term refers strictly to smaller birds.
Strict
Tense; not relaxed.
Strict fiber
Strictly
(maths) In a manner that applies to every member of a set or every interval of a function
Strict
Exact; accurate; precise; rigorously particular.
To keep strict watch
To pay strict attention
Strictly
In a strict manner; closely; precisely.
Strict
Governed or governing by exact rules; observing exact rules; severe; rigorous.
They are very strict in observing the Sabbath
Strictly
Restricted to something;
We talked strictly business
Strict
Rigidly interpreted; exactly limited; confined; restricted.
To understand words in a strict sense
Strictly
In a stringent manner;
The laws are stringently enforced
Stringently controlled
Strict
(botany) Upright, or straight and narrow; — said of the shape of the plants or their flower clusters.
Strictly
In a rigorous manner;
He had been trained rigorously by the monks
Strict
Severe in discipline.
Our teacher was always very strict. If we didn't behave, we would get punished.
It was a very strict lesson.
Strict
Irreflexive; if the described object is defined to be reflexive, that condition is overridden and replaced with irreflexive.
Strict
Strained; drawn close; tight; as, a strict embrace; a strict ligature.
Strict
Tense; not relaxed; as, a strict fiber.
Strict
Exact; accurate; precise; rigorously nice; as, to keep strict watch; to pay strict attention.
It shall be still in strictest measure.
Strict
Governed or governing by exact rules; observing exact rules; severe; rigorous; as, very strict in observing the Sabbath.
Strict
Rigidly; interpreted; exactly limited; confined; restricted; as, to understand words in a strict sense.
Strict
Upright, or straight and narrow; - said of the shape of the plants or their flower clusters.
And rules as strict his labored work confine,As if the Stagirite o'erlooked each line.
Soon moved with touch of blame, thus Eve: -"What words have passed thy lips, Adam severe!"
Strict
(of rules) stringently enforced;
Hard-and-fast rules
Strict
Rigidly accurate; allowing no deviation from a standard;
Rigorous application of the law
A strict vegetarian
Strict
Incapable of compromise or flexibility
Strict
Not indulgent;
Strict parents
Strict
Unsparing and uncompromising in discipline or judgment;
A parent severe to the pitch of hostility
A hefty six-footer with a rather severe mien
A strict disciplinarian
A Spartan upbringing
Strict
Severe and unremitting in making demands;
An exacting instructor
A stern disciplinarian
Strict standards
Common Curiosities
What does "strict" mean?
"Strict" describes something stringent, precise, or severe, such as rules or behavior that does not allow for any deviation.
How is "strictly" used in a sentence?
"Strictly" is used as an adverb to modify how an action is performed, indicating adherence to rules or guidelines without exception.
Can "strict" be used to describe a person?
Yes, "strict" can describe a person who enforces rigorous standards or rules, such as a strict teacher or parent.
Is "strictly" only related to rules and regulations?
While often related to rules, "strictly" can also modify actions more broadly, indicating precision or a limited manner of execution.
How does "strict" influence behavior?
"Strict" influences behavior by setting clear, rigorous expectations that demand conformity and discipline.
What makes a guideline "strict"?
A guideline is "strict" if it allows little to no flexibility, demanding adherence to specified standards or rules.
What does "strictly confidential" mean?
"Strictly confidential" means that information is to be kept secret and disclosed only to those who are explicitly authorized.
Does "strictly" imply a lack of flexibility?
Yes, "strictly" implies a high degree of conformity and a lack of flexibility in following directives or guidelines.
Can a law be "strictly applied"?
Yes, a law can be "strictly applied" when it is enforced rigorously, with no tolerance for violations.
How can a diet be both "strict" and "strictly followed"?
A diet can be "strict" in its limitations and requirements, and "strictly followed" when an individual adheres to those rules without deviation.
What is the difference between "strict confidentiality" and "strictly confidential"?
"Strict confidentiality" describes the nature of the confidentiality as being severe or rigorous, while "strictly confidential" emphasizes the manner in which confidentiality must be maintained, without exceptions.
How do "strict" rules affect a work environment?
"Strict" rules in a work environment can create a structured and disciplined atmosphere, potentially enhancing efficiency but possibly reducing flexibility.
What does "strictly speaking" mean?
"Strictly speaking" is a phrase used to indicate that what follows is precise or accurate, focusing on the exact or literal interpretation.
Is "strictly" used only in negative contexts?
No, "strictly" is not limited to negative contexts; it can also be used in neutral or positive contexts to indicate precision, exclusivity, or a specific focus.
Can "strict" and "strictly" be used interchangeably?
No, "strict" and "strictly" cannot be used interchangeably because they serve different grammatical functions as an adjective and an adverb, respectively.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
