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Straighten Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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straighten

[หˆstreษช.tษ™n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

hair

To make hair or something else straight; to remove curls or bends from something.

Synonyms

flatten, neaten, smooth.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
straighten

Use when referring to making something straight, removing curves, bends, or wrinkles.

  • She straightened her hair with a flat iron.
  • He straightened the picture frame on the wall.
smooth

Refers to making something even or free from roughness or lumps.

  • He smoothed the icing on the cake.
  • She smoothed out the wrinkles in her dress.
flatten

Applicable when making something flat or level, usually by pressing or knocking it down.

  • She used a rolling pin to flatten the dough.
  • The storm flattened several trees.
neaten

Used when making something tidy or organized.

  • She neatened her desk before leaving the office.
  • He neatened up the room for the guests.

Examples of usage

  • She straightened her hair before the party.
  • He straightened the picture on the wall.
Context #2 | Verb

behavior

To make something more orderly or correct.

Synonyms

fix, rectify, resolve.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
straighten

This word is used when you want to make something linear, orderly, or tidy. It is often used in the context of arranging physical objects or correcting posture.

  • She needed to straighten her hair before the event.
  • Please straighten the picture frame, it looks crooked on the wall.
fix

This word is used when referring to repairing or mending something that is broken or not working correctly. It is a versatile word that can also mean solving a problem.

  • He fixed the broken chair.
  • We need to fix the issue with the software bug.
resolve

This word is used when addressing and finding a solution to a problem or dispute. It often implies a decisive, permanent solution. It is frequently used in conflict resolution or solving complex issues.

  • The team resolved to solve the project issues before the deadline.
  • They managed to resolve the conflict through mediation.
rectify

This word is more formal and is often used when correcting errors or making adjustments to ensure accuracy or correctness. It is commonly used in legal, technical, or official contexts.

  • They had to rectify the financial reports due to discrepancies.
  • The technician will rectify the alignment issue in the machinery.

Examples of usage

  • She tried to straighten out the mess in the room.
  • The manager is working to straighten out the company's finances.
Context #3 | Verb

path

To make something straight or direct.

Synonyms

align, correct, level.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
straighten

To make something straight or tidy. Often refers to physical objects but can also be used metaphorically.

  • She needed to straighten her hair before the event.
  • He straightened the picture frame on the wall.
align

To arrange things in a line or bring them into proper coordination. Often used in technical or organizational contexts.

  • Make sure to align the text to the center of the page.
  • The team needs to align their goals to the company's mission.
correct

To make an error or mistake right. Used in both physical and abstract contexts, such as fixing a problem or mistake.

  • Please correct the typographical errors in the document.
  • He corrected his posture after noticing he was slouching.
level

To make something flat or even. Often used in construction or describing physical surfaces.

  • The builder needs to level the ground before laying the foundation.
  • Use a ruler to level the shelves.

Examples of usage

  • The road crew is straightening the curves in the highway.
  • He straightened the path through the garden.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Everyday Use

  • People often 'straighten' their hair using heat or chemical treatments to remove curls or waves.
  • In organizing spaces, 'straightening up' refers to tidying and putting items back in their right places.

Psychology

  • The act of 'straightening' can also refer to clarifying thoughts or emotions, helping individuals feel more organized mentally.
  • People often seek to 'straighten' their lives during stressful periods, aiming for more clarity and order.

Cultural Reference

  • In various cultures, the idea of 'straightening up one's act' suggests improving oneโ€™s behavior, often in a dramatic or visible way.
  • Artistic movements may address concepts of 'straightening' social issues, representing a desire for clarity and change.

Science

  • In physics, 'straightening' can relate to the alignment of particles in a beam, essential for accurate measurements.
  • In biology, certain plants exhibit growth patterns where they 'straighten' their stems toward sunlight, a process known as phototropism.

Origin of 'straighten'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'straighten' comes from the Old English word 'streccan', meaning 'to stretch'.
  • In Middle English, the term evolved to 'strait', indicating a form of confinement or narrowness before developing into the modern 'straighten'.

The word 'straighten' originated from the combination of 'straight' and the suffix '-en', which is used to form verbs. The concept of 'straight' has been associated with correctness, order, and directness for centuries. The verb 'straighten' has been used in English since the 16th century to describe the act of making something straight or correct. Over time, it has been applied to various contexts, from hair to behavior to physical objects, reflecting the importance of alignment and order in human activities.

See also: straight, straightaway, straightedge, straightened, straightening, straightforward, straightforwardness, straightness.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,560, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.