strait
/streɪt/ (bre, ipa) · [strˈet] /streɪt/ (ame, ipa)
strait — noun
- straitsingular
- straitsplural
1. a long, narrow strip of sea that lies between larger waters and joins them
a long, narrow strip of sea that lies between larger waters and joins them
The ferry crossed the strait between the island and the mainland before dark.
cross the strait between two land areas
Fishing boats waited for the fog to lift before entering the strait.
A strong current rushed through the strait after the tide turned.
Mayumi traced the narrow strait on the classroom map with her finger.
用法筆記
Used for a geographical water route, not for a river or a canal. The word usually appears in maps, travel reports, and discussions of shipping routes.
常見錯誤
2. a hard situation that puts someone under severe pressure, often because money is
a hard situation that puts someone under severe pressure, often because money is short
After the restaurant closed, Rodrigo found himself in serious financial straits.
financial straits as the most common phrase
The hospital was in such straits that it delayed repairs to the roof.
Years of drought left many farming families in desperate straits.
Bao asked his sister for help when he was in straits after the flood.
- difficulty
simpler and more general, without the same dramatic force
- hardship
often stresses suffering over a longer period
- crisis
stronger and more sudden than straits
- security
a stable condition without the same financial or practical pressure
用法筆記
Most often appears in the plural, especially in phrases like 'in dire straits' or 'financial straits'. It describes an outward situation, not an inner feeling.
常見錯誤
strait — adjective
- straitpositive
- straitercomparative
- straitestsuperlative
1. so narrow or tight that only a very small amount of room is left
so narrow or tight that only a very small amount of room is left
The tunnel was so strait that the workers had to crawl.
strait describing a cramped physical space
Wren ducked through a strait doorway cut into the stone wall.
The valley became strait where the river pressed against the cliff.
The guide warned that the cave grew strait near the final turn.
用法筆記
This adjective is rare and sounds old-fashioned in modern everyday English. Most learners will normally use narrow or tight instead unless they are reading literary or historical writing.
常見錯誤
strait — adverb
1. in a way that keeps something held, shut, or pulled close without looseness
in a way that keeps something held, shut, or pulled close without looseness
Sahil tied the bandage strait around his ankle before the walk home.
tie + strait for a firm, close fastening
The sailor pulled the rope strait against the mast as the wind rose.
Rohan shut the crate strait so the jars would not rattle inside.
Christopher held the torn paper strait while Adina taped the edge.
- loosely
without a close or firm hold
文法句型
verb + strait
用法筆記
This adverb is rare and old-fashioned. In present-day English, tightly is usually the safer and more natural choice.