straightness
/ˈstreɪtnəs/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈstreɪtnəs/ (ame, ipa)
straightness — noun
1. The physical characteristic of an object, surface, or line that continues evenly
The physical characteristic of an object, surface, or line that continues evenly in a single direction with no curves, waves, or deviation to either side.
Kimiko checked the straightness of the curtain rod with a level before hanging drapes.
check the straightness of [object] + measuring tool
The straightness of Hassan's new fence was ruined by one crooked post near the gate.
Olga admired the perfect straightness of the marble countertop in the newly renovated kitchen.
When installing shelves, Wei uses a ruler to check the straightness of each drawn line.
The straightness of the hiking trail made the walk easy even for beginners.
- crookedness
the state of being bent, twisted, or not straight
- curvature
the degree to which something curves; more technical
文法句型
the straightness of [noun phrase]
用法筆記
Frequently used in construction, carpentry, and geometry contexts. The adjective form 'straight' is far more common in everyday conversation — 'straightness' is preferred when you need to name the quality as a concept.
常見錯誤
2. The personal quality of expressing your real opinions and feelings openly, witho
The personal quality of expressing your real opinions and feelings openly, without hiding behind polite or indirect language, even when the truth may be uncomfortable.
Everyone respected Mei-Lin's straightness — she never hid her opinion just to please others.
respected [someone] for [someone's] straightness
The project leader valued the straightness of Diego's feedback, even when the news was hard.
Ingrid appreciated her younger brother's straightness in telling her the dress did not suit her.
Bo's straightness in the meeting surprised his colleagues, who were used to vague corporate language.
What customers like most about the shop is the straightness of the owner's product advice.
- directness
focuses on a straightforward speaking style without detours
- frankness
implies openness even when the truth is uncomfortable or socially awkward
- candor
more formal register; sincere and open expression of feelings
- dishonesty
the quality of being untruthful or deceitful
- insincerity
not expressing genuine feelings; saying what others want to hear
文法句型
someone's straightness
用法筆記
This sense is more common in British English than American English. In the US, 'directness' or 'frankness' is typically preferred. The adjective 'straight' carries this meaning in all varieties ('a straight answer', 'just be straight with me').
常見錯誤
3. The condition of being romantically and sexually attracted primarily to people o
The condition of being romantically and sexually attracted primarily to people of the opposite sex or gender, typically used in discussions of sexual orientation.
Amir's family never questioned his straightness; they expected him to marry a woman someday.
question someone's straightness
The survey asked participants about their sexual orientation, including straightness, bisexuality, and same-sex attraction.
straightness as a category in a list of orientations
Though Zara had dated only men, her friends stopped assuming her straightness after she discussed attraction.
The documentary showed how straightness is treated as the default orientation in many societies.
Researchers found that assumptions about a person's straightness can affect their treatment at work.
- heterosexuality
the standard formal term used in medical, academic, and clinical writing
- homosexuality
attraction to people of the same sex or gender
- bisexuality
attraction to people of more than one gender
文法句型
someone's straightness
the straightness of [group]
用法筆記
Primarily used in formal, academic, or sociological discussions of sexuality. In everyday conversation, the adjective 'straight' ('He is straight') or the term 'heterosexual' is far more natural than the noun 'straightness'.