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YOUR VOCABULARY, ONE WORD AT A TIME

draconian

Adjective

IPA /drəˈkəʊniən/

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Meaning in plain English

Extremely harsh or strict, especially in the punishment or control it imposes.

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Pronunciation

draconian/drəˈkəʊniən/

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  1. A minor rule is broken

  2. An extremely harsh penalty follows

Draconian measures are criticised for imposing excessive severity.

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  1. Residents objected to the draconian parking penalties.
  2. Students described the blanket ban as a draconian response to a minor problem.

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Residents objected to the ________ parking penalties.
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draconian — Extremely harsh or strict, especially in the punishment or control it imposes.

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Extremely harsh or strict, especially in the punishment or control it imposes.

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Word origin

Named after Draco, an ancient Athenian lawmaker remembered for severe laws.

Did you know?

Draconian commonly comes before measures, laws, restrictions or penalties.

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draconian

/drəˈkəʊniən/ (Adjective)

“This formal adjective expresses strong criticism. It is much stronger than strict.”

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