Definition

The quality or condition of being very firm or demanding in rules or behavior.

Example

The strictness of the school's rules helped maintain discipline among the students.

Conversation

I've noticed that the teacher has a real strictness about her rules this semester.

Yeah, it can be a bit much sometimes, can't it?

I wonder if she's trying to prepare us for the final exams with all that strictness.

Maybe! It does make us focus more, though.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Strictness → It is formed from "strictus" (from Latin, meaning drawn tight or rigid) and the suffix "-ness" (meaning the state or quality of). The word "strictness" refers to the quality of being strict or rigid in rules or behavior.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'drawn tight' ('strictus') to remember that 'strictness' means the quality of being rigid or firm.

Visually Confused Words