Straight
/streɪt/
Definitions
4 meaningsExtending or moving uniformly in one direction only; without a curve or bend.
/streɪt/
Without a curve or bend
The road ahead is straight.
💡 Simply: Imagine a ruler. It doesn't have any bumps or curves, it's just a straight line. Like if you are walking along a street and you are heading in a continuous line.
👶 For kids: Going in one line, with no curves!
More Examples
Please draw a straight line.
Her hair is naturally straight.
How It's Used
"A straight line is the shortest distance between two points."
"The road was long and straight, perfect for driving."
In a straight line or direction; directly.
/streɪt/
Directly
Go straight ahead until you see the traffic lights.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're going from point A to point B. If you go 'straight,' you go in a line without turning. It's like pointing your finger.
👶 For kids: Going right there!
More Examples
He looked straight at me.
The arrow flew straight to the target.
How It's Used
"Go straight ahead for two blocks."
"He looked straight at her and confessed."
Heterosexual; attracted to people of the opposite sex.
/streɪt/
Heterosexual
She identifies as straight.
💡 Simply: If someone is 'straight,' it means they're attracted to people who are the opposite sex. This is a neutral word that helps people communicate about their attraction.
👶 For kids: When a boy likes a girl, or a girl likes a boy!
More Examples
The movie featured both straight and gay characters.
He has been in a relationship with a woman for many years, indicating he is straight.
How It's Used
"The term straight is often used to describe someone attracted to the opposite sex."
"She is straight and has dated several men."
To make or become straight or tidy.
/streɪt/
To make something straight or tidy.
She straightened her hair with a flat iron.
💡 Simply: If you 'straighten' something, you're making it neat and tidy again. Like straightening out a messy desk!
👶 For kids: To fix things to make them neat.
More Examples
Can you help me straighten up this room?
He straightened his tie before the interview.
How It's Used
"She straightened her skirt before entering the meeting."
"The teacher told the kids to straighten up their classroom."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
to get something straight
To understand or clarify something; to make sure one has the correct information.
"Let's get this straight: you're saying you weren't at the party?"
straight away
Immediately; without delay.
"I'll go straight away."
straight up
Directly, honestly, and without any embellishment; also used to refer to alcoholic drinks that are served without mixers.
"Tell me straight up, did you like the movie?"
keep a straight face
To not laugh or smile, even when something is funny.
"It was hard to keep a straight face when she tripped."
From Middle English streight, stret, from Old English strēht (past participle of streċċan ‘to stretch’). Related to stretch.
The word 'straight' has existed in English since Old English, primarily referring to physical directness, and has broadened in meaning over time.
Memory tip
Think of a perfectly aligned ruler - it's straight!
Word Origin
"stretched, direct"