stringent

Definitions

From Latin stringentem, the present participle of stringere — literally "drawing tight." Stringent rules are pulled so taut there's no give. The -ing- spelling preserves the original Latin present participle, unlike the -strict- branch from the past participle.

Why It Means This

stringent and strict are siblings from the same Latin verb, split by which form they kept: strict from the past participle strictus, stringent from the present participle stringentem. In modern use, stringent leans toward formal standards, tests, and regulations (stringent safety standards), while strict spreads across people and rules generally.

Common Collocations

• 1.stringent regulations严格的法规
• 2.stringent requirements严苛的要求
• 3.stringent measures严厉的措施
• 4.stringent standards严格的标准

Example Sentences

• 1.

  The factory must meet stringent safety standards.

• 2.

  Banks now apply more stringent lending criteria.