Straightened Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ”ณ
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straightened

[หˆstreษชt(ษ™)nd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

hair

To make hair straight by using heat or chemicals.

Synonyms

flatten, iron, smooth.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
straightened

Again, used for making something linear or organized, but this might be a repetition due to a typo.

  • She straightened the picture frame on the wall.
  • He straightened his tie before the interview.
  • They straightened out the financial records.
smooth

Used when making a surface free of roughness, lumps, or irregularities. It can refer to both physical surfaces and abstract matters like social interactions or processes.

  • He used sandpaper to smooth the edges of the wood.
  • The lotion helps to smooth rough skin.
  • Let's smooth out the process to make it more efficient.
flatten

Best suited when talking about making a surface more flat or level, often by pressing or crushing it. This is often used in more physical or mechanical contexts.

  • They used a heavy roller to flatten the soil.
  • The windstorm flattened several trees in the park.
  • She flattened the dough with a rolling pin.
iron

Primarily used when talking about removing wrinkles from fabric using a heated device. It can also be used metaphorically to mean making something neat or tidy.

  • I need to iron my shirt before the meeting.
  • She spent the afternoon ironing all the clothes.
  • They ironed out their differences over lunch.

Examples of usage

  • She straightened her hair before going to the party.
  • I need to straighten my hair before the meeting.
Context #2 | Verb

situation

To make something straight or correct.

Synonyms

fix, rectify, resolve.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
straightened

This is usually used when something is physically or metaphorically made straight. It often refers to correcting physical objects or organizing things.

  • She straightened the picture on the wall
  • He straightened out his finances
rectify

This is a more formal term and is often used in legal, professional, or technical contexts when addressing errors, inaccuracies, or issues that require correction.

  • The accountant rectified the financial errors
  • We need to rectify the mistakes in the report
resolve

Commonly used in situations where a problem or conflict needs to be settled or a question needs to be answered. It suggests finding a solution to an issue.

  • They resolved the dispute amicably
  • We need to resolve this issue before moving forward
fix

Used when something is broken or not working correctly and it needs to be repaired. It commonly refers to mechanical issues, technology, or general problems.

  • Can you fix my computer? They need to fix the leak in the roof

Examples of usage

  • He straightened out the misunderstanding with his boss.
  • We need to straighten out the issues before moving forward.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Everyday Usage

  • Used in various contexts, such as straightening hair, correcting a person's posture, or aligning objects.
  • Commonly employed in art, craft, and DIY projects where alignment is crucial.
  • Metaphorically used for improving situations or relationships, like 'straightening out' misunderstandings.

Cultural References

  • In fashion, 'straightened' might refer to a popular hairstyle trend where curly hair is made straight.
  • In literature, characters often undergo a 'straightening' journey, overcoming obstacles to achieve clarity or direction.
  • Films and stories sometimes depict 'straightening' as a character growth moment, symbolizing finding one's path.

Science

  • In physics, forces can straighten paths, such as how gravity causes light to bend around massive objects.
  • In health, physical therapy might involve 'straightening' exercises to improve mobility and posture.
  • Engineering uses 'straightened' designs for stability in structures, ensuring safety in constructions.

Psychology

  • People may feel mentally 'straightened' when they organize their thoughts, reflecting clarity and focus.
  • Emotional 'straightening' often relates to addressing stresses or conflicts, leading to a balanced state of mind.
  • Therapeutic practices might involve 'straightening' behavior patterns that cause anxiety or confusion.

Origin of 'straightened'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'streccan', meaning to stretch or extend.
  • The '-en' suffix is often used in English to form verbs, turning adjectives into actions, like โ€˜widenโ€™ from โ€˜wide.โ€™
  • It has evolved over time to encompass both physical and abstract meanings.

The word 'straightened' is the past tense and past participle of the verb 'straighten'. The word 'straighten' originated in the late 15th century, derived from the Middle English word 'streighten', which meant to make straight. Over time, the word evolved to also mean to make correct or put in order.


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

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,201, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.