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adjective C2 Proficient Uncommon

stringent

STRIHN-juhnt

Stringent (adjective) means Very strict, precise, and demanding; allowing little flexibility. Example: “The new safety regulations are far more stringent than before.”

adjective
1
Very strict, precise, and demanding; allowing little flexibility.
"The new safety regulations are far more stringent than before."
"Applicants must meet stringent eligibility requirements."

How to use stringent

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishVery strict and rigorously enforced, usually said of rules or standards.

Common pairings
stringent rules stringent conditions stringent measures

Word forms

more stringent comparative, most stringent superlative

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The new safety regulations are far more _____ than before.

Etymology

A learned borrowing from Latin stringens, from stringere ("to draw tight"), the same root that gives us "strict" and "string."

Origin: Latin

Antonyms

Related words

Rhymes for stringent

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Frequently asked questions

What does “stringent” mean?

The word “stringent” means very strict, precise, and demanding; allowing little flexibility. In plain terms, very strict and rigorously enforced, usually said of rules or standards.

How do you pronounce “stringent”?

“Stringent” is pronounced STRIHN-juhnt (/ˈstɹɪn.d͡ʒənt/ in IPA).

How do you use “stringent” in a sentence?

Here is “stringent” used in a sentence: “The new safety regulations are far more stringent than before.”

What is the opposite of “stringent”?

The opposite of “stringent” — its antonyms — is lenient.

What part of speech is “stringent”?

“Stringent” is an adjective.

Where does the word “stringent” come from?

The word “stringent” comes from Latin. A learned borrowing from Latin stringens, from stringere ("to draw tight"), the same root that gives us "strict" and "string.".

Is “stringent” a common word?

“Stringent” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.

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