stricto

Stricto is not a standalone concept in English, but appears in Latin phrases used in scholarly writing. In modern usage, it forms part of expressions such as sensu stricto or stricto sensu, which translate roughly to “in the strict sense.” The term is most often encountered when authors want to distinguish a narrow, precise interpretation from broader or looser readings.

Etymology and forms: Stricto is the ablative singular of the Latin adjective strictus, meaning tight or strict. In the phrase sensu stricto, stricto modifies sensu (sense), yielding “in the strict sense.” Some writers also use the inverted order stricto sensu. Both orders are found in English-language texts, with sensu stricto being the more widely cited arrangement.

Usage: The expression stricto sensu is common in philosophy, law, linguistics, and the sciences to specify a narrow definition. It contrasts with lato sensu, meaning “in a broad sense,” or in English, a broad or liberal interpretation. Examples include definitional statements, taxonomic clarifications, and methodological qualifications where precision matters.

Variations and related terms: Other Latin phrases include in sensu stricto and in stricto sensu, often used to modify a claim about scope or applicability. The pair sensu stricto vs. lato sensu provides a framework for clarifying whether a statement applies narrowly or broadly.

See also: Lato sensu, Latin phrases in English, definitional precision, scholarly terminology.