The Opposite(Antonym) of “lax”
The antonym of lax is strict, rigorous, and careful. The antonyms strict, rigorous, and careful convey a sense of discipline, attention to detail, and precision. It implies a lack of leniency, looseness, or carelessness.
Definitions and Examples of strict, rigorous, careful
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
Demanding that rules, orders, or regulations be obeyed completely and accurately.
Example
The school has a strict dress code policy that prohibits students from wearing revealing clothes.
Thorough, exhaustive, and precise in approach or execution.
Example
The research project required a rigorous methodology that involved collecting data from multiple sources.
Exercising caution, attention, and prudence in one's actions or decisions.
Example
He was careful not to spill the hot coffee on his shirt while driving.
Key Differences: strict vs rigorous vs careful
- 1Strict implies a high degree of control and adherence to rules or regulations.
- 2Rigorous implies a thorough and exhaustive approach to a task or activity.
- 3Careful implies a cautious and prudent approach to avoid mistakes or accidents.
Effective Usage of strict, rigorous, careful
- 1Academic Writing: Use rigorous to describe research methodologies, experiments, or analysis.
- 2Discipline: Use strict to establish rules, guidelines, or expectations in a classroom, workplace, or organization.
- 3Safety: Use careful to remind people to exercise caution and prudence in activities that involve risks or hazards.
Remember this!
The antonyms have distinct nuances: Strict conveys control and adherence to rules, rigorous denotes thoroughness and precision, and careful refers to caution and prudence. Use these words in academic writing, discipline, and safety contexts to convey a sense of discipline, attention to detail, and precision.
