strictly speaking
In exact terms
Strictly speaking introduces a statement that is accurate only if words are interpreted in their most precise, literal sense.
It signals that what follows is technically true, even if common usage is looser: Strictly speaking, a tomato is a fruit, not a vegetable.
The phrase often precedes a correction or clarification that the speaker acknowledges may be pedantic.
- literallyIn exact terms
- exactlyWith total accuracy
- accuratelyIn a correct manner
- preciselyIn an exact manner
- specificallyIn a precise manner
technically · factually · as a matter of fact · in point of fact · veritably · correctness · exactitude · rigor · pedantically · semantics · definitively · genuinely · unequivocally · truthfulness · logic · objectivity · validity · reasoning
strictly speakingroughly speaking
Indicating imprecision or estimation
broadly speaking · approximately · more or less · in a manner of speaking · give or take
strictly speakingloosely
Without being tight
approximately · roughly · for all intents and purposes · informally · imprecisely
strictly speakingcolloquially
In casual speech
in layman's terms · for all intents and purposes · in effect · in practice · functionally
strict, strictly, stricter, strictest, strictness, speak, speaking, spoken, speaker