What is strictly? Pronunciation and usage in English

strictly means . Learn how to pronounce and use strictly through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of strictly

strictlyadverb

/ˈstrɪk(t)li/
Definition & pronunciation of strictly

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "strictly" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. The Core Sound:

  • "Strikt" – This is the most important part. It sounds like "strikt" – almost like "street" without the "ee" sound. Think of it as a short, sharp "rikt" sound. The "t" is very light and almost silent at the end.

2. The "ly" Ending:

  • "ly" – This is pronounced like “lee”. It's a short, clear "lee" sound.

Putting it Together:

The whole word is pronounced as: ˈstrɪktli

Here's a breakdown of the sounds:

  • ˈstr – The first part, "str," sounds like the beginning of "street" – “st”.
  • ɪkt – The “ikt” is the crucial “rikt” sound we talked about.
  • li – “Lee”

Tips for Getting it Right:

  • Focus on the "rikt" sound: Really concentrate on getting that short "rikt" in the middle. Trying to pronounce it like “strict” will lead to errors.
  • Don't overemphasize the "t": The 't' is very light.
  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear native speakers pronounce it. Here are some resources:
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/strictly/ (You can hear different accents)
    • Google Search: Search "how to pronounce strictly" on YouTube – you'll find many videos.

Would you like me to:

  • Record myself saying it?
  • Give you more examples of words with similar sounds?

Usage and examples with the word strictly in English

Let's break down how to use the word "strictly" in English. It's a versatile word that adds a sense of firmness, precision, and often restriction. Here's a breakdown of its uses, with examples:

1. As an Adverb - Emphasizing Strictness/Rigidity

This is the most common usage. “Strictly” modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb, adding a strong sense of adherence to rules or a limited scope.

  • With Verbs (emphasizing rules):

    • "Students are strictly forbidden from using cell phones during exams." (No exceptions allowed)
    • "The regulations strictly prohibit smoking in the building." (Absolutely no smoking)
    • "You must strictly follow the instructions." (No deviations are permitted)
    • "The company strictly adheres to safety protocols." (They follow them without fail)

  • With Adjectives (emphasizing exactness):

    • "The recipe is strictly for two people." (Only enough for two)
    • "He's strictly vegetarian." (He only eats vegetarian food – no exceptions for sauces, etc.)
    • "The contract is strictly confidential." (Information cannot be shared.)

  • With Adverbs (emphasizing severity):

    • "The penalty for breaking the rules is strictly enforced." (The punishment will be applied severely.)
    • "She sings strictly in Italian." (She only sings in Italian; no other languages.)

2. As a Determiner (Introducing Precise Limits)

This is a slightly less common, more formal usage. It’s typically used to specify a very specific quantity or limitation.

  • "The project is strictly limited to a budget of $10,000." (No more, no less)
  • "The shipment is strictly for internal use only." (It cannot be sold or distributed externally.)
  • “The investigation was strictly limited to the company's records.” (They only looked at the company's records.)

3. “Strictly Speaking” – For Precise Definitions or Facts

When used with "strictly speaking," it means "literally" or "technically." It’s used to point out a narrow interpretation of something, often to highlight a contrast.

  • "Strictly speaking, he hasn't finished the report yet." (He hasn't completed all the tasks involved in finishing the report.)
  • "Strictly speaking, that's not a real solution." (It doesn't fully address the problem.)
  • "Strictly speaking, you’re wrong." (Based on a precise definition, you are mistaken.)

Key Points & Nuances:

  • Formal Tone: "Strictly" often has a more formal and serious tone than words like "carefully" or “mainly”.

  • Negative Connotation (often): Because “strictly” implies rules and restrictions, it often carries a slightly negative connotation – suggesting rigidity or limitations. However, it can also be used positively when referring to adhering to important standards.

  • Synonyms: Depending on the context, you could also use words like: "rigorously," "absolutely," "precisely," "solely," "exclusively," or “unconditionally."

Let’s test your understanding! Can you use “strictly” in a sentence about the following:

  1. A new rule about recycling.
  2. A piece of music.
  3. A medical diagnosis.

Would you like me to check your sentences?

Synonyms for the word strictly

Idioms of the word strictly

strictly speaking
if you are using words or rules in their exact or correct sense
  • Strictly speaking, the book is not a novel, but a short story.
  • Using the word in that context is not, strictly speaking, correct.

Practice with vocabulary strictly

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks (4 sentences)

  1. To ensure compliance with safety regulations, the new procedures must be ______ adhered to by all personnel.
  2. From a purely academic perspective, the phenomenon cannot be ______ classified as a natural disaster.
  3. The research team was instructed to follow the experimental protocol ______ to avoid any contamination of the samples.
  4. Due to the unexpected market downturn, the company's financial projections were ______ affected, leading to revised strategies.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (5 questions — there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. The project manager emphasized that all deadlines must be treated as non-negotiable and followed ______. a) loosely b) strictly c) flexibly d) rigidly
  2. Which words best describe following a rule or instruction without deviation? a) precisely b) vaguely c) strictly d) roughly
  3. The building codes require that all construction work adheres to specific dimensions, so measurements must be taken ______. a) casually b) purely c) strictly d) approximately
  4. The editor reviewed the manuscript ______ for any grammatical errors and inconsistencies before publication. a) superficially b) erratically c) meticulously d) carelessly
  5. Despite his best efforts, the athlete's performance was ______ impacted by his recent injury, affecting his overall ranking. a) barely b) marginally c) severely d) slightly

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences (3 questions)

  1. All security protocols must be observed precisely, leaving no room for error.
  2. When you consider the precise definition, this document isn't a legal contract.
  3. The architect paid very close attention to every detail of the building's design.

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. strictly
  2. strictly
  3. rigorously
  4. severely

Exercise 2:

  1. b) strictly, d) rigidly
  2. a) precisely, c) strictly
  3. c) strictly
  4. c) meticulously
  5. c) severely

Exercise 3:

  1. All security protocols must be strictly observed, leaving no room for error.
  2. Strictly speaking, this document isn't a legal contract.
  3. The architect meticulously attended to every detail of the building's design.

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