strictly
STRIHKT-lee
Strictly (adverb) means In a strict, exact, or rule-following manner. Example: “The school strictly follows its uniform policy, so everyone wears the same colours.”
adverb
1
In a strict, exact, or rule-following manner.
"The school strictly follows its uniform policy, so everyone wears the same colours."
"The rules must be strictly enforced."
"This area is strictly for staff only."
2
Only or exclusively; with nothing else included.
"This is strictly a business matter, so please leave personal opinions out of it."
"Strictly speaking, a tomato is a fruit."
"The offer is strictly limited to new customers."
How to use strictly
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishIn a rule-bound, exact, or exclusive way.
Common pairings
strictly speaking
strictly enforced
strictly forbidden
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Word forms
- Comparative
- strictlier, more strictly
- Superlative
- strictliest, most strictly
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The school _____ follows its uniform policy, so everyone wears the same colours.
Etymology
From strict plus the adverb-forming suffix -ly.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “strictly” mean?
The word “strictly” means in a strict, exact, or rule-following manner. In plain terms, in a rule-bound, exact, or exclusive way.
How do you pronounce “strictly”?
“Strictly” is pronounced STRIHKT-lee (/ˈstɹɪktli/ in IPA).
How do you use “strictly” in a sentence?
Here is “strictly” used in a sentence: “The rules must be strictly enforced.”
What part of speech is “strictly”?
“Strictly” is an adverb.
Is “strictly” a common word?
“Strictly” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “strictly” have?
“Strictly” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in a strict, exact, or rule-following manner.
What is the difference between "strictly" and "exclusively"?
In its second sense, "strictly" means only or with nothing else included, overlapping with "exclusively." "Strictly" also carries a sense of firm, rule-following exactness that "exclusively" does not.
Can "strictly" mean "only"?
Yes. "Strictly" can mean only or exclusively, as in this event is strictly for members. In this sense it limits something to a single group or purpose.
