Straight-Strait | Commonly Confused Words
Learn languages with fun

Master confusing words with ease

Straight vs. Strait

Straight

/streɪt/
Not curved or bent; direct and honest without drinking alcohol; direct in manner or language

Examples:

His body was straighter and looked bigger.This path led straight down towards the River Thames.Then he went straight to the port with Mrs Aouda.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Strait

A narrow passage of water connecting two larger bodies of water.

Examples:

The ship navigated cautiously through the narrow strait.A dense fog settled over the strait, obscuring the view.Pilgrims crossed the strait to reach the sacred island.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Ways to tell them apart:

etymology
  • Straight has an extra a, which can remind you of a straight line with a straight angle.
  • Strait is one letter shorter, suggesting a narrow space or passage, just as a strait is a narrow body of water.
  • Both words sound the same, but straight is more commonly used to describe objects or paths, while strait is used in geographical contexts.
© 2025 Lithium Lab Pte Ltd