Language Research

straight · adjective

/streɪt/Full view

Word family

Adjectives: straight

Verbs: straighten

Adverbs: straight

straight (NOT CURVING)

A2 not curved or bent

Dictionary examples:

a straight line

She has straight hair.

Learner example:

She has straight [blond] hair and blue eyes. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Italian)

straight (HONEST)

B2 honest

Dictionary example:

a straight answer

Learner example:

I'm asking you to give us a reasonable and straight reply. (First Certificate in English; B2; Russian)

straight (LEVEL)

B2 in a position that is level or vertical

Dictionary example:

That shelf's not straight.

get sth straight

C1 to make sure that you completely understand a situation

Dictionary example:

Let me get this straight - am I paying for this?

Learner example:

Next time you should try to get your facts straight. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Greek)

keep a straight face

C2 to manage to stop yourself from smiling or laughing

Dictionary example:

I can never play jokes on people because I can't keep a straight face.

straight · adverb

/streɪt/

Word family

Adjectives: straight

Verbs: straighten

Adverbs: straight

straight (LINE)

A2 in a straight line

Dictionary examples:

Go straight, then turn left at the traffic light.

He was looking straight at me.

The library is straight ahead.

Learner example:

From my house we must go straight, then we must take second turn to the left. (Key English Test; A2; Czech)

straight (IMMEDIATELY)

B1 without pausing or delaying

Dictionary examples:

I got home and went straight to bed.

Do you want to go straight to the party or stop for a bite to eat first?

Learner example:

When I came back home at 11:30, I went straight to bed. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Italian)

sit up/stand up straight

B2 to sit or stand with your body vertical

Dictionary example:

Stand up straight and put your shoulders back!

Learner example:

She tried to sit up straight and quickly reali[z]ed all her mus[c]les were stiff from non-activity. (First Certificate in English; B2; French)

not think straight

C1 If you cannot think straight, you are not thinking clearly about something.

Dictionary example:

I was so tired, I couldn't think straight.

Learner example:

My stress wouldn't let me think straight. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Greek)