厳密

• Reading: げんみつ
• Romaji: genmitsu
• Kanji breakdown: 厳 (gen) — strict, rigorous; 密 (mitsu) — dense, close, detailed
• Pronunciation: /ɡe.ɴ.mi.tsɯ/

Meaning

Strict; precise; scrupulous. Describes an approach that leaves no room for error or ambiguity.

A na-adjective describing exactness and thoroughness in analysis, definition, or execution. Used when precision matters: 厳密に言えば (strictly speaking), 厳密な定義 (precise definition), 厳密な管理 (strict control). While 厳格 focuses on severity towards people, 厳密 focuses on precision in processes, logic, and standards. Common in academic, scientific, and legal contexts.

Examples

1. 厳密に言えばこの二つの言葉は意味が違う。 Strictly speaking, these two words have different meanings.
2. データの厳密な分析が求められている。 Rigorous analysis of the data is required.
3. 実験では温度を厳密に管理する必要がある。 Temperature must be precisely controlled during the experiment.

Usage Guide

Context: academic, science, law, logic

Tone: precise

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 厳 (gen, strict/rigorous) + 密 (mitsu, dense/close/secret). Literally 'strictly close,' suggesting attention to every detail with no gaps or looseness in the examination.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: Professional