The word "straight" is spelled with the letters S-T-R-A-I-G-H-T. Its IPA phonetic transcription is /streɪt/. The "st" and "r" sounds are pronounced separately, followed by the long "a" sound. Next, the "g" and "h" make a "f" sound, and then the "t" concludes the word. The spelling of "straight" can be confusing due to its combination of multiple letters that produce a single sound. It is important to understand its correct pronunciation to effectively communicate with others.
Straight is an adjective that has multiple definitions, all relating to the concept of directness, sincerity, or lacking in curves or deviations.
1. In the context of physical objects, straight refers to something that is not bent, curved, or twisted. It denotes a linear or unswerving path, being in perfect alignment, without any bends or angles.
For example: "A straight line," "a straight road," or "a straight posture."
2. In terms of describing a person's behavior or character, straight conveys honesty, truthfulness, or sincerity. It means adhering to moral principles or behaving ethically and genuinely. It can also imply being frank, direct, or straightforward in communication.
For example: "Tell me straight what happened," or "He's a straight shooter, always telling the truth."
3. In the context of sexuality, straight refers to a person who is attracted only to individuals of the opposite gender. This is the conventional understanding of heterosexuality, where a person identifies as straight if their romantic or sexual attractions are towards people of a different gender.
4. In colloquial language, straight may indicate sobriety. It refers to a person who is not under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or a situation that is free from intoxication.
For example: "I need you to be straight for this important discussion."
Overall, straight encompasses notions of physical alignment, honesty, directness, moral behavior, sexual orientation, and sobriety, depending on the context in which it is used.
• Straightness.
• Immediately; directly.
• Immediately.
• Being in a right line; direct; not crooked; upright.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "straight" derives from the Old English word "streht", which means "direct, level, or straightforward". The Old English term is related to the Old Norse word "streita" and the Middle Low German word "stræt", all of which carry similar meanings. The origin can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "straihtaz", meaning "stretching out". Over time, "straight" has come to signify an absence of curves or bends, a line that is not deviating, or something that is honest, direct, or morally upright.