strait Definition
- 1a narrow passage of water connecting two seas or two other large areas of water
- 2a situation characterized by a difficult challenge or obstacle
Using strait: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "strait" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The Strait of Gibraltar connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
Example
The ship had to navigate through a narrow strait to reach the harbor.
Example
The country is in dire straits due to the economic crisis.
strait Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with strait
dire straits
a very difficult or dangerous situation
Example
The company is in dire straits and may have to lay off employees.
Example
He has been trying to stay on the strait and narrow since his release from prison.
strait-laced
having strict moral attitudes and behaving in a way that is seen as proper or prudish
Example
Her parents were very strait-laced and didn't approve of her dating anyone outside their religion.
Origins of strait
from Old French 'estreit', meaning 'tight, narrow'
Summary: strait in Brief
The term 'strait' [streɪt] refers to a narrow passage of water connecting two seas or other large bodies of water. It can also refer to a difficult challenge or obstacle, as in 'The country is in dire straits due to the economic crisis.' 'Strait' is used in phrases like 'dire straits,' which denotes a very difficult situation, and 'strait-laced,' which describes someone with strict moral attitudes.
