Straight: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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