straight
/streɪt/not bent, curved, or sloping. A straight line, road, or object goes directly from one point to another.
- Draw a straight line.
- This road is straight for two miles.
- The shelf is not straight.
directly, without turning or stopping. It can also mean immediately or honestly.
- Go straight home after school.
- She looked straight at me.
- Tell me straight.
a straight part, line, or direction. In some contexts, it also means a straight road or section of a racecourse.
- Take the straight to the station.
- We were on the final straight.
- The track has a long straight.
in a way that is honest and clear, with no trickery or lies. People often use this meaning in phrases like 'straight answer'.
- Give me a straight answer.
- I want the straight facts.
- Be straight with me.
Adinary Nuance
Straight often means “not curved” or “direct,” while nearby words have narrower uses. Use direct for communication or routes, and level or upright for position. In speech, straight can sound more everyday and simple than those words. It can also mean “honest and plain,” which is different from the physical meaning.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- thẳng
- Spanish
- recto
- Chinese
- 直的
- Japanese
- まっすぐ
- Korean
- 곧은
Etymology
From Old English streht, from the verb stretch. It has meant “not bent” in English since early times.
Common phrases
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is straight only about shape?
- No. It can also mean direct, honest, or without stopping.
- What is the difference between straight and direct?
- Straight is often physical or simple. Direct is more common for communication and routes.
- Can I say 'a straight answer'?
- Yes. It means a clear and honest answer.
- Is straight common in IELTS writing?
- Yes, but use it carefully. It is common for shape, direction, and simple honest wording.