Straighten: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

Used when making something tidy or organized.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.