straighten

Everyday

1. To make something straight, or to become straight. tree →
2. (straighten up) To stand up straight, or to make a place tidy. tree →
3. (straighten out) To fix a problem or misunderstanding. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life, you straighten your tie, a picture on the wall or your back; «straighten up your room» means tidy it. In feelings lessons, «straighten things out» means talk to fix a quarrel. In health, braces straighten teeth. Phrases: «straighten up», «straighten out», «straighten your back».

Examples

• Straighten your back when you sit at your desk. tree →
• Please straighten the books on the shelf. tree →
• Braces will straighten your teeth. tree →
• The picture is crooked — can you straighten it? tree →
• Let's straighten out this misunderstanding. tree →
• He straightened up and smiled. tree →
• Straighten the wire before you use it. tree →
• Mum told us to straighten up the playroom. tree →

Note

The gh is silent: said «STRAY-tun». Adjective: «straight» (homophone «strait», a narrow sea passage). Opposite: bend.