Rules can be held tight or let loose. The first five words describe strictness, from the careful thoroughness of rigorous work to the cruel harshness of draconian laws. The next four describe going easy, from the mercy of a lenient judge to the carelessness of a lax guard. The last, forbearance, names the patience it takes to hold back.
Key idea
Notice the tone. Rigorous and exacting usually praise; draconian always criticizes. Lenient can be kind; lax is a complaint.
The ten words
Common mistake
rigorous praises thoroughness; draconian criticizes harshness. lax is about loose rules; lenient is about mercy toward someone.
| strict word | tone | easygoing word | tone |
|---|---|---|---|
| rigorous | praise: thorough | lenient | often praise: merciful |
| exacting | praise or complaint: demanding | indulgent | often complaint: spoiling |
| stringent | neutral: tight rules | permissive | neutral: much freedom |
| draconian | complaint: too harsh | lax | complaint: careless |
Lax describes rules or care that are too loose (lax security). Lenient describes a person who goes easy on someone (a lenient judge). A judge can be lenient; a lock can only be lax.