Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

strict

/stɹɪkt/

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: Zipf frequency 4.23 in modern English

Syllables: strict
IPA: /stɹɪkt/

8

Scrabble Score

6

Letters

1

Syllables

5

Unique Chars

Meaning

adj

Strained; drawn close; tight.

adj

Tense; not relaxed.

adj

Exact; accurate; precise; rigorously particular.

adj

Governed or governing by exact rules; observing exact rules; severe; rigorous.

adj

Rigidly interpreted; exactly limited; confined; restricted.

adj

Upright, or straight and narrow; — said of the shape of the plants or their flower clusters.

adj

Severe in discipline.

adj

Irreflexive; if the described object is defined to be reflexive, that condition is overridden and replaced with irreflexive.

Example Sentences

"strict embrace"
"strict ligature"
"strict fiber"
"to keep strict watch"
"to pay strict attention"
"they are very strict in observing the Sabbath"

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin strictus, past participle of stringere (“to draw tight, bind, contract”). Doublet of strait and stretto. See stringent, strain. Related to strong.

Origin

Source language: Latin

Word Breakdown

Root: *streyg-, strictus

Inflected Forms

stricter (comparative) strictest (superlative)

Derived Forms

overstrict semistrict stricten strictish strictly strictness superstrict ultrastrict unstrict

Phrases

non-strict rule of strict construction strict conditional strict construction strict constructionism strict constructionist strict equality strict implication

Frequently Paired Words

stricture stringent strain

Synonyms

taut tensioned nonslack strained stretched strict tense tight correct dead on thorough accurate

Antonyms

lenient lax permissive

Rhymes With

picked kicked predict restrict addict clicked tricked depict contradict inflict licked ticked

Questions

How do you pronounce strict?: The recorded pronunciation is /stɹɪkt/.
What does strict mean?: Strained; drawn close; tight.
Where does strict come from?: It is traced to Latin.

How to pronounce strict

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “strict”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/stɹɪkt/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “strict”.
Repeat and practice — Say “strict” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.