strict

To follow or enforce rules is to be strict.

• That teacher is very strict. She’ll quickly give out a detention for misbehavior.
• Anyone who appears before that judge has to be careful because he’s so strict.
• Marlene’s doctor put her on a strict diet.
• Nelita’s supervisor is very strict about employees being on time for work.
• How strict are you with your kids?
• Pay strict attention to the directions on the application. Any mistakes could delay your request.

The adverb form for this word is "strictly."

• The students at that school strictly follow the rules.
• The speeding laws are strictly enforced in this area.
• Our conversation was strictly confidential. (I can’t tell you what we discussed.)

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February 25, 2013