What does the prefix Strict- mean?

What does the prefix Strict- mean?

• A. Draw Tight
• B. Tighten
• C. Bind
• D. Stretch

Answer: (A)

The main idea this prefix signals is the feel of drawing something tight or binding it. It comes from Latin stringere, which means to pull together or tighten. So, when you see strict-, think of a force that makes something tighter or more confined. That’s why “draw tight” is the best descriptor. It captures the exact sense the prefix conveys—the action of pulling in or constricting. “Tighten” is related but describes the act you perform, not the inherent meaning of the prefix itself. “Bind” is nearby in idea but not as precise about the motion of drawing tight, and “stretch” is basically the opposite idea. Memorable examples: constrict means to draw tight around something, and restriction is the act of making something tighter or more confined.

The main idea this prefix signals is the feel of drawing something tight or binding it. It comes from Latin stringere, which means to pull together or tighten. So, when you see strict-, think of a force that makes something tighter or more confined.

That’s why “draw tight” is the best descriptor. It captures the exact sense the prefix conveys—the action of pulling in or constricting. “Tighten” is related but describes the act you perform, not the inherent meaning of the prefix itself. “Bind” is nearby in idea but not as precise about the motion of drawing tight, and “stretch” is basically the opposite idea.

Memorable examples: constrict means to draw tight around something, and restriction is the act of making something tighter or more confined.