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straight
/streɪt/
without curves or bends
Draw a straight line from point A to point B.
The line has no curves or bends.
neutral
extending continuously in one direction without curving
The road is straight for miles.
The road does not curve.
She has straight hair.
Her hair is not curly or wavy.
Used to describe physical lines, paths, or hair texture.
neutral
in a direct or immediate way
Go straight ahead for two blocks.
Continue directly forward without turning.
He went straight to the point.
He spoke directly about the main issue.
Often used with verbs like 'go,' 'drive,' or 'cut.'
neutral
honest and truthful
He gave a straight answer.
He was honest and did not avoid the truth.
Commonly used to describe behavior or communication.
informal
conventional or heterosexual
She's straight, but her brother is gay.
She identifies as heterosexual.
Refers to sexual orientation; may be considered outdated or offensive in some contexts.
Medicine
neutral
not diluted or mixed with water
The doctor prescribed straight whiskey for the pain.
The whiskey was not diluted with water or ice.
Often used to describe alcoholic beverages.
Collocations
straight linea line with no curvesstraight facea facial expression showing no emotionstraight answeran honest and direct responsestraight aheadin a forward direction without turning
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Avoiding ambiguity with 'straight'
When using 'straight' to describe sexual orientation, ensure the context is appropriate and avoid making assumptions. In professional settings, it's better to ask about someone's 'sexual orientation' rather than using the term 'straight.'
Gold Rule
Physical vs. figurative use
Use 'straight' for physical descriptions (e.g., 'straight line') and 'direct' or 'honest' for figurative meanings (e.g., 'straight answer').
Word Origin
From Middle English 'streight,' from Old English 'streht,' meaning 'stretched out.' Related to German 'streckt' and Dutch 'strekken.'
Usage Notes
The word 'straight' can function as an adjective, adverb, noun, or verb depending on context. As an adjective, it describes physical lines, honesty, or conventionality. As an adverb, it often means 'directly' or 'immediately.' Avoid using the term to describe sexual orientation in formal or sensitive contexts unless the individual has explicitly stated their preference.
Word Breakdown
straight
without curves or bends
rootEnglish Dictionary