Straight: meaning, definitions and examples

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straight

[streɪt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

hair

Extending or moving uniformly in one direction only; without a curve or bend.

Synonyms

direct, even, level.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
straight	Refers to something not bent or curved. It can also mean being honest and straightforward. Draw a straight line. She gave me a straight answer.
direct	Used when something goes without deviation or when communication is straightforward and clear. Take the direct route to the city. He was very direct in his criticism.
level	Describes something flat and at the same height throughout. It can also refer to the amount or degree of something. Make sure the picture is level. Her stress level is quite high.
even	Describes something flat or equal without bumps or irregularities. It can also describe equal distribution or fairness. The surface of the table is even. They divided the money into even shares.

Examples of usage

My hair used to be curly, but now it's completely straight.
She has long, straight hair that shines in the sunlight.

^{Context #2 | Adverb}

path

In a direct or undeviating course.

Synonyms

directly, immediately, straightaway.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
straight	Use 'straight' when you want to describe something that follows a direct line or path without deviation. It can also be used to describe someone who is honest and not lying. Go straight down this road and you'll find the building on your left. She's very straight with her opinions; you always know what she thinks.
directly	Use 'directly' when you want to emphasize doing something in a clear, straightforward manner without any intermediaries or delays. It often implies immediacy. He spoke directly to the manager about his concerns. We will send the package directly to your house.
immediately	Use 'immediately' to highlight that something should happen without any delay, at once. It is often used to convey urgency. She asked him to leave the room immediately. Call an ambulance immediately if you see someone have a heart attack.
straightaway	Use 'straightaway' mainly in British English to indicate doing something without hesitation or delay. It is informal and often used in everyday speech. I'll do that straightaway. He started his homework straightaway after school.

Examples of usage

He walked straight ahead until he reached the end of the path.
The road stretched straight as far as the eye could see.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

poker

A poker hand containing five consecutive cards of the same suit.

Synonyms

consecutive, sequence, successive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
straight	This word is often used to describe something that is direct or without any deviation, in a more abstract sense, such as being straightforward. I need straight answers to my questions She went straight to the manager to resolve the issue
sequence	This word is best used to describe a specific order in which events, actions, or numbers follow one another and are related to each other. The DNA sequence is essential for coding proteins The magician performed a sequence of tricks
consecutive	This word is most often used when referring to events, numbers, or periods of time that follow one another in order without interruption. She won the championship in three consecutive years The team scored four consecutive goals
successive	This word is typically used to describe events, actions, or periods that come immediately one after the other, usually without any interruptions. The town had five successive mayors from the same family We will hold successive meetings over the next few weeks

Examples of usage

She won the round with a straight flush.
He was hoping for a straight, but ended up with a pair.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from Old English 'streht', which means 'not bent'.
Related words can include 'strait', which in another context means narrow or tight.
Historically, the term 'straight' has been used in various contexts, from describing paths to moral character.

Mathematics

In geometry, a straight line is defined as the shortest distance between two points.
A straight angle measures exactly 180 degrees, forming a straight line.
The concept of straightness is fundamental in various fields, including design and architecture, where precision is key.

Psychology

The term 'straight' is often used in discussions about sexual orientation, indicating heterosexuality.
It can also refer to straightforward communication, where messages are clear and unambiguous.
Mindsets about being 'straight' can influence societal expectations and personal identity.

Pop Culture

In film and literature, 'straight' characters are often depicted as conventional or traditional, contrasting with more complex personalities.
The term is frequently used in comedy, where characters might exaggerate how 'straight' they are to create humorous situations.
Popular songs often play on the idea of 'straight' versus 'curvy', using metaphors for love and relationships.

Geography

Straight can refer to narrow water passages, known as straits, such as the Strait of Gibraltar, which separates Europe and Africa.
Geographical features like straight rivers are often a result of erosion and human activity, shaping their courses over time.
In navigation, sailing straight courses is essential for efficient travel and exploration.

Translations

Translations of the word "straight" in other languages:

🇵🇹 reto

🇮🇳 सीधा

🇩🇪 gerade

🇮🇩 lurus

🇺🇦 прямий

🇵🇱 prosty

🇯🇵 まっすぐな

🇫🇷 droit

🇪🇸 recto

🇹🇷 düz

🇰🇷 곧은

🇸🇦 مستقيم

🇨🇿 rovný

🇸🇰 rovný

🇨🇳 直的

🇸🇮 ravna

🇮🇸 beinn

🇰🇿 түзу

🇬🇪 პირდაპირი

🇦🇿 düz

🇲🇽 recto

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,565, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.

...
1562 preparation
1563 employer
1564 profit
1565 straight
1566 sell
1567 pure
1568 discovered
...