adverb
strictly
STRIHKT-lee
adverb
1
In a strict, exact, or rule-following manner.
"The rules must be strictly enforced."
"This area is strictly for staff only."
2
Only or exclusively; with nothing else included.
"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
Word Forms
strictlier comparative, more strictly comparative, strictliest superlative, most strictly superlative
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The rules must be _____ enforced.
Etymology
From strict plus the adverb-forming suffix -ly.