B2adverb 2K

Strictly

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈstrɪktli/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈstrɪktli/"]/

Meaning of Strictly

with a lot of control and rules that must be obeyed

In simple words: only, definitely

Strictly in a sentence

• She was brought up very strictly.
• The industry is strictly regulated.
• Smoking is strictly forbidden.
• My letter is, of course, strictly private and confidential.
• This is not strictly true.
• We'll look at the problem from a strictly legal point of view.
• I know we're friends, but this is strictly business.
• Their relationship is strictly platonic.
• Strictly speaking, the book is not a novel, but a short story.
• Using the word in that context is not, strictly speaking, correct.

How to use Strictly

Use 'strictly' when you want to emphasize that something must be done exactly as stated. It's generally used in serious or formal contexts, and less so in casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

strictly + adverb/adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'strictly' as saying 'stick to it' — no deviations allowed.

Related words

Collocations with Strictly

• strictly speaking
• strictly adhere
• strictly prohibited
• strictly necessary
• strictly enforced

Synonyms for Strictly

• solely
• only
• definitely
• absolutely
• exactly

Opposites of Strictly

• loosely
• leniently
• flexibly
• laxly

Common mistakes with Strictly

• Using it in a casual context where 'just' would be more appropriate.
• Confusing with 'strict', which refers to being demanding or inflexible.
• Saying 'strictly for' instead of just using 'strictly'.

Frequently asked questions about Strictly

What does Strictly mean?

only, definitely

What is the definition of Strictly?

with a lot of control and rules that must be obeyed

How do you use Strictly in a sentence?

She was brought up very strictly.

Can you give another example of Strictly?

The industry is strictly regulated.

What are synonyms for Strictly?

Common alternatives include solely, only, definitely, absolutely, exactly.

What is the opposite of Strictly?

Opposite meanings include loosely, leniently, flexibly, laxly.

What words go with Strictly?

It commonly pairs with strictly speaking, strictly adhere, strictly prohibited, strictly necessary, strictly enforced.

What are common mistakes when using Strictly?

Using it in a casual context where 'just' would be more appropriate. Confusing with 'strict', which refers to being demanding or inflexible. Saying 'strictly for' instead of just using 'strictly'.

How do you pronounce Strictly?

US: /["/ˈstrɪktli/"]/, UK: /["/ˈstrɪktli/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Strictly?

Use 'strictly' when you want to emphasize that something must be done exactly as stated. It's generally used in serious or formal contexts, and less so in casual conversations.

What CEFR level is Strictly?

"Strictly" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.