taut

/tɔːt/ (bre, ipa) · [tˈɔt] /tɔːt/ (ame, ipa) · [tˈɔt] /ˈtȯt How to pronounce taut (audio)/ (ame, mw)

taut — adjective

  • tautpositive
  • tautercomparative
  • tautestsuperlative

1. pulled or stretched so firmly that it stays straight and no slack remains

1.形容詞B2
釋義

pulled or stretched so firmly that it stays straight and no slack remains

例句

Esteban pulled the tent ropes taut before the storm reached the beach.

pull + taut for rope under tension

The drum skin felt taut under Ari's hand after the repair.

taut skin or surface after tightening

同義詞
  • tight

    broader everyday word for something firm or not loose

  • stretched

    states the shape but does not always imply firm tension

  • tense

    can describe a pulled body part, but often shifts toward emotion

反義詞
  • slack

    used when a rope, line, or cloth hangs loosely

  • loose

    general opposite for something without firm hold

用法筆記

Common with rope, wire, sail, skin, and similar surfaces that are pulled smooth. It is more specific than tight because it suggests stretch as well as firmness.

常見錯誤

❌Keep the jar lid taut.
✅Keep the rope taut.
💡taut is mainly used for something stretched straight, not for lids or other closed objects.

2. showing controlled nervous energy and a lack of ease, often because someone is u

2.形容詞C1
釋義

showing controlled nervous energy and a lack of ease, often because someone is under pressure

例句

Layla gave a taut smile while waiting for the exam results.

taut smile showing held-in nerves

The room stayed taut as the jury returned to their seats.

taut atmosphere in a tense public moment

同義詞
  • tense

    the most common everyday word for this feeling

  • strained

    emphasises visible pressure in voice, face, or mood

  • edgy

    more informal and often suggests restless irritation

反義詞
  • relaxed

    free from visible pressure or nervous control

  • calm

    shows steady self-control without tension

用法筆記

Often used with smile, voice, silence, or atmosphere rather than as a plain label for a person. It suggests strain being tightly held in, not open panic.

常見錯誤

❌She felt taut after yoga.
✅She felt taut before the interview.
💡this sense describes nervous strain, not the relaxed feeling after exercise.

3. written or spoken in a controlled way that leaves out anything unnecessary

3.形容詞C1
釋義

written or spoken in a controlled way that leaves out anything unnecessary

例句

Reviewers praised the novel for its taut pace and clean dialogue.

taut pace in a well-controlled story

Sora's report was taut enough to fit the key facts on one page.

taut writing that removes extra detail

同義詞
  • concise

    neutral word for saying something clearly in few words

  • spare

    suggests plain simplicity with very little decoration

  • disciplined

    emphasises careful control in the writing process

反義詞
  • wordy

    uses more words than the message needs

  • loose

    lacks tight control in structure or pace

用法筆記

Usually describes writing, scripts, or storytelling. It praises control and economy, not simply short length.

常見錯誤

❌The memo is taut because it has two lines.
✅The article is taut because every line matters.
💡taut praises disciplined style, not mere brevity.

4. having firm muscles or flesh that look smooth and strong rather than soft or loo

4.形容詞C2
釋義

having firm muscles or flesh that look smooth and strong rather than soft or loose

例句

Months of swimming left Reuben with taut shoulders and strong legs.

taut body parts after regular exercise

The dancer's taut stomach showed years of daily practice.

taut muscles from training

同義詞
  • firm

    broader word for flesh that is not soft

  • toned

    often used for a body shaped by exercise

  • lean

    focuses on low body fat more than muscle tension

反義詞
  • flabby

    soft and lacking firm muscle shape

  • soft

    general opposite when the body lacks firmness

用法筆記

Usually used for muscles, skin, or body parts in contexts of exercise, training, or leanness. It suggests firmness, not large size.

常見錯誤

❌The sofa looked taut after cleaning.
✅The runner's legs looked taut after training.
💡this sense is about the body, not furniture or general neatness.