strictest

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "strictest" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use the word "strictest" to emphasize a level of strictness or inflexibility in a situation or subject. For example: My parents have the strictest rules about coming home late at night.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is the strictest standard in any jurisdiction in the nation.

The Guardian

You are obviously free to come to your own views about Hunt's strange cognitive dissonance, where on the one hand there are the "strictest conditions" on the dredging, but on the other hand the "dredging area is not a notable... site" in the Reef.

The Guardian

"Some of the strictest conditions in Australian history have been placed on these projects to ensure that any impacts are avoided, mitigated or offset," Hunt said.

The Guardian

Reichelt said the draft permit assessment had been conducted before stringent conditions - the strictest ever imposed on an application of its type - were put in place by the environment minister.

The Guardian

The environment minister, Greg Hunt, has approved controversial dredging off the Queensland coast that will help create one of the world's largest coalports, while imposing some of the "strictest conditions in Australian history" to safeguard the health of the Great Barrier Reef.

The Guardian

He said the draft assessment noted concerns of staff and other stakeholders but the conditions imposed on the project were the strictest ever done by the agency and it was unlikely the project would have been approved without them.

The Guardian

"All information we receive will be treated in the strictest of confidence, and we have a range of measures available to us to ensure you are not identified if you speak to us".

The Guardian

The Chinese government has laid out plans to name and shame the country's ten most air-polluted cities to try to get local governments to take action.Brunei introduced the strictest interpretation of Islamic law in South-East Asia.

The Economist

I maintain the strictest personal standards of editorial independence; if I write something, it's because I believe it.

The Economist

He has begun to sever the city's ties with companies that manufacture or sell assault weapons, and he is urging banks and mutual funds to cut off companies that stand in the way of reforms to gun laws.Yet gun-rights advocates counter that Chicago already has some of the strictest gun laws in the country, with little to show for it.

The Economist

In 1977, the first Parti Québécois government passed some of the world's strictest language laws.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "strictest" to emphasize the highest degree of adherence to rules, standards, or regulations. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is being strictly enforced.

Common error

Avoid using "strictest" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or even harsh in contexts where a less intense word like "most careful" or "most diligent" would suffice.

Linguistic Context

The word "strictest" functions primarily as a superlative adjective. It modifies a noun to indicate the highest degree of strictness or rigor. Ludwig shows that it is commonly used to describe laws, rules, conditions, and standards.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

21%

Science

21%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "strictest" is a superlative adjective used to emphasize the highest degree of rigor, control, or severity. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and most commonly found in news, formal business, and scientific contexts. While the word itself is neutral, it is important to mind the tone and context in which you use this word. Overusing "strictest" in informal settings can come across as too formal or even aggressive, when words like "most careful" or "most diligent" are perfectly adequate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

most rigorous

Emphasizes the thoroughness and adherence to rules more than simple severity.

most severe

Highlights the harshness or gravity of the situation more directly.

most exacting

Focuses on the high standards and demands for accuracy.

most stringent

Similar to strictest but often used in the context of regulations and rules.

most inflexible

Highlights the lack of adaptability or willingness to change.

most rigid

Implies an unyielding or unbending adherence to rules or procedures.

most meticulous

Highlights attention to detail and precision rather than severity.

most draconian

Emphasizes the harsh and severe nature of the rules or punishments.

most unsparing

Focuses on the lack of leniency or compassion in the application of rules.

most uncompromising

Highlights the refusal to make concessions or adjustments.

FAQs

How can I use the word "strictest" in a sentence?

You can use "strictest" to describe rules, regulations, or interpretations that are the most rigorous or severe. For example: "This school has the "strictest attendance policy" in the district."

What are some alternatives to saying "strictest"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "most rigorous", "most severe", or "most stringent".

Is it correct to use "strictest" to describe a person?

While less common, "strictest" can describe a person known for enforcing rules rigorously. For example: "Our coach is the "strictest disciplinarian" I've ever met."

What's the difference between "strictest" and "most severe"?

"Strictest" emphasizes adherence to rules or standards, while "most severe" highlights the harshness or seriousness of a situation or consequence. For example, a "strictest interpretation" is about adhering closely to the text, while the "most severe penalty" is about the harshness of the punishment.