Meaning & use
straightness
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Meanings
noununcountable
The quality or state of being straight, without bends, curves, or angles.
Grammar: Used as an uncountable noun; it does not take a plural form.
Patterns
- the straightness of something
The straightness of the road ahead made driving easy.
Engineers checked the straightness of the metal bar with a laser.
He admired the straightness of the line she had drawn.
noununcountable
The quality of being honest, direct, and without deceit.
Grammar: Uncountable; often used with 'of' to show whose quality it is.
Patterns
- the straightness of someone
Her straightness in business earned her a good reputation.
I trust the straightness of his answers.
The straightness of his dealing surprised everyone.
Common combinations
- the straightness of a line
- The straightness of a line can be checked with a ruler.
- check the straightness
- The mechanic checked the straightness of the wheel.
- perfect straightness
- The arrow flew with perfect straightness.
Synonyms and how they differ
- directness
- Often used for manner or speech, while straightness can also refer to physical shape.
- honesty
- Focuses on truthfulness; straightness is broader and can mean both physical and moral straightness.
Opposites
Word family
- straight adjective
- Having no bends or curves; honest.
- straighten verb
- To make or become straight.
- straightly adverb
- In a straight manner (rare).
Commonly confused: straightness or strait?
straightness vs strait
A strait is a narrow passage of water; straightness comes from 'straight' meaning without curves.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'straightness' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Straightness' refers to the quality of being straight or honest. Option 1 is wrong because rivers are not typically described by straightness; option 3 is awkward; option 4 is nonsensical.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “straightness”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.