How Do You Spell STRAIGHTEN?

Pronunciation: [stɹˈe͡ɪtən] (IPA)

The word "straighten" is spelled with eight letters and has two syllables. It is pronounced as /streɪtn̩/, with the primary stress on the first syllable. The letter combination "gh" is silent, and the letter "e" at the end of the word is pronounced as a schwa sound, represented by the symbol ə. The root word "straight" means not curved or bent, and the addition of the suffix "-en" indicates a change to a straighter form. The correct spelling and pronunciation of "straighten" are essential in effective communication.

STRAIGHTEN Meaning and Definition

1. Straighten means to make something or someone straight, flat, or level. It involves removing any curves, bends, or twists and bringing the object or person into a noticeably linear position. This can apply to physical objects such as clothing, hair, or furniture, as well as abstract concepts like thoughts or plans.

   In terms of physical objects, straightening often refers to adjusting the alignment or arrangement to achieve a symmetric or ordered appearance. For example, straightening a crooked picture frame or ironing wrinkled clothes. Additionally, straightening can refer to aligning or rearranging objects to make them neat and tidy, placing them in an organized and methodical manner.

   When applied to individuals, straightening typically pertains to correcting posture or positioning. Proper posture involves aligning the head, shoulders, and spine to maintain a straight and upright position. Straightening can also refer to addressing any irregularities or deviations in the body, such as chiropractic adjustments or orthopedic interventions.

   Figuratively, straightening refers to clarifying or fixing a situation or resolving a misunderstanding. It involves removing any confusion or ambiguity to provide a clearer explanation or outcome. Straightening one's thoughts refers to organizing and rationalizing ideas or views, making them more logical and coherent. In relation to plans or strategies, straightening refers to correcting or optimizing a course of action to achieve desired results or goals.

   Overall, straighten encompasses the act of aligning, flattening, or correcting and provides a systematic and orderly connotation.

2. To make straight.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for STRAIGHTEN *

• strighten 23.6486486%
• straighted 15.5405405%
• straigten 12.1621621%
• straightend 7.4324324%
• straighting 6.7567567%
• streghten 2.7027027%
• streighten 2.7027027%
• straigthen 2.027027%
• straghten 1.3513513%
• striaghten 1.3513513%
• straightin 1.3513513%
• straighen 1.3513513%
• sraighten 1.3513513%
• strighen 1.3513513%
• straighned 0.6756756%

* 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.

Other Common Misspellings for STRAIGHTEN

• streanghten
• strnghten
• straightned
• strightin
• straightner
• stratighten
• straigen
• straightt
• strainghten
• streighted
• strighted
• straighte
• straightn
• strightend
• streightens
• straightenr
• straightou
• streightin
• straightead
• Straighley
• Staughten
• Stawghten
• Straichen

Etymology of STRAIGHTEN

The word "straighten" can be traced back to the Old English word "strehtan". It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "straihtijaną", which means "to make straight". It further originates from the Proto-Indo-European root word "streg-" or "streh₁-", meaning "to stretch, to make rigid". Over time, the word evolved through Middle English and eventually became "straighten" in its current form.

Idioms with the word STRAIGHTEN

• straighten up and fly right The idiom "straighten up and fly right" means to behave properly, responsibly, or ethically, often used as an instruction or an admonishment. It is derived from the aviation phrase, urging the pilot to get the aircraft on the proper flight path and fly correctly. In a broader sense, it encourages someone to amend their behavior, be more disciplined, and make better choices.
• straighten up sth The idiom "straighten up something" means to tidy, organize, or arrange something in a neat and orderly manner. It often refers to putting things in order or correcting a messy or disorganized situation.
• straighten up The idiom "straighten up" typically means to improve one's behavior or appearance, to correct or tidy up something that is disorganized or messy, or to get one's life or situation in order.
• straighten sth out The idiom "straighten something out" means to resolve, clarify, or organize a situation or problem. It implies making something more orderly, clear, or understandable.
• straighten sb out The idiom "straighten sb out" means to help or guide someone to correct their behavior, actions, or thoughts in order to improve their situation or solve a problem. It often refers to providing advice, guidance, or assistance to someone who is confused, troubled, or struggling.
• straighten out The idiom "straighten out" means to resolve or correct a chaotic or confusing situation, to clarify misunderstandings, or to help someone improve their behavior or situation. It refers to the act of bringing order, progression, or clarity to a problem or a person's life.
• straighten sm out The idiom "straighten someone out" means to correct or resolve someone's confusion, misconception, or misguided behavior by providing them with accurate information, guidance, or instructions. It refers to the act of helping someone understand the truth or putting them back on the right track.
• straighten sm or sth up The idiom "straighten sm or sth up" means to tidy, organize, or arrange someone or something in a neat and orderly manner. It can refer to physically repositioning objects or belongings to make them look neater, or it can also mean getting someone's behavior or actions in line or correcting a situation to make it more orderly.

Similar spelling words for STRAIGHTEN

• straight line,
• star sign,
• Streight,
• straughan,
• straighten up,
• straightener,
• straight off,
• straughn,
• sturkie,
• straight,
• straight pin,
• straightaway,
• straight arch,
• straughter,
• straight hang,
• straggle,
• straightarrow,
• straight-out,
• straightedge,
• straightway,
• straight face,
• stargazing,
• straight man,
• steerage,
• straight-arm,
• straightness,
• straightlaced,
• strigidae,
• stargaze.

Conjugate verb Straighten

CONDITIONAL

I would straighten

you would straighten

he/she/it would straighten

we would straighten

they would straighten

CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS

I would be straightening

you would be straightening

he/she/it would be straightening

we would be straightening

they would be straightening

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have straighten

you would have straighten

he/she/it would have straighten

we would have straighten

they would have straighten

CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I would have been straightening

you would have been straightening

he/she/it would have been straightening

we would have been straightening

they would have been straightening

FUTURE

I will straighten

you will straighten

he/she/it will straighten

we will straighten

they will straighten

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be straightening

you will be straightening

he/she/it will be straightening

we will be straightening

they will be straightening

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have straightened

you will have straightened

he/she/it will have straightened

we will have straightened

they will have straightened

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been straightening

you will have been straightening

he/she/it will have been straightening

we will have been straightening

they will have been straightening

IMPERATIVE

you straighten

we let´s straighten

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to straighten

PAST

I straightened

you straightened

he/she/it straightened

we straightened

they straightened

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was straightening

you were straightening

he/she/it was straightening

we were straightening

they were straightening

PAST PARTICIPLE

straightened

PAST PERFECT

I had straightened

you had straightened

he/she/it had straightened

we had straightened

they had straightened

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been straightening

you had been straightening

he/she/it had been straightening

we had been straightening

they had been straightening

PRESENT

I straighten

you straighten

he/she/it straightens

we straighten

they straighten

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am straightening

you are straightening

he/she/it is straightening

we are straightening

they are straightening

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

straightening

PRESENT PERFECT

I have straightened

you have straightened

he/she/it has straightened

we have straightened

they have straightened

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been straightening

you have been straightening

he/she/it has been straightening

we have been straightening

they have been straightening

I would have straightened

we would have straightened

you would have straightened

he/she/it would have straightened

they would have straightened