Definition

1. Noun:
   • The quality or condition of being straight, without curves, bends, or angles: This refers to the physical property of a line, object, or path that does not deviate from a direct course.
   • The quality of being honest, direct, and frank in character or conduct: This refers to a person's manner of being straightforward, sincere, and free from deceit.
   • The condition of hair lacking a tendency to curl: This describes hair that is naturally straight.
   • The state of having a true and direct course toward a goal; directness: This refers to the quality of proceeding without deviation toward an objective.

Usage and Examples

• Physical Straightness:

  • The carpenter checked the straightness of the board with a level.
  • The straightness of the Roman roads was remarkable for their time.

• Honesty and Frankness:

  • I appreciate the straightness of his answer; he didn't try to hide the truth.
  • Her straightness in business dealings earned her a reputation for integrity.

• Hair Texture:

  • She envied the perfect straightness of her friend's hair.

• Directness of Aim or Course:

  • The straightness of the arrow's flight was due to the archer's skill.
  • The project succeeded because of the straightness of its vision from start to finish.

Advanced Usage

• "In all straightness": Used to emphasize complete honesty when stating something.
  • In all straightness, I must tell you that your plan has several flaws.

Variants and Related Words

• Straight (adj.): Extending uniformly in one direction without a curve or bend; honest and direct.
  • a straight line; a straight answer
• Straighten (v.): To make or become straight.
  • He straightened the picture on the wall.
• Straightforward (adj.): Uncomplicated and easy to understand; honest and frank.
  • a straightforward process; a straightforward person

Synonyms

• Directness: The quality of being straightforward and frank.
• Linearity: The quality of being arranged in or extending along a straight line.
• Honesty: The quality of being truthful and sincere.
• Frankness: The quality of being open, honest, and direct in speech or writing.

Antonyms

• Curvature: The quality of being curved or bent.
• Crookedness: The quality of being bent, twisted, or dishonest.
• Indirectness: The quality of not being straightforward or direct.
• Dishonesty: The quality of being deceitful or untruthful.

Notes on Different Meanings

The noun "straightness" encompasses both concrete, physical properties (like a straight line or straight hair) and abstract, moral qualities (like honesty and directness of purpose). The meaning is typically clear from the context in which it is used. It is not commonly used in modern English to refer to heterosexuality; the term "heterosexuality" is standard for that meaning.

Noun

1. a sexual attraction to (or sexual relations with) persons of the opposite sex
2. having honest intentions
   • he acted in good faith
   • doubt was expressed as to the good faith of the immigrants
3. trueness of course toward a goal
   • rivaling a hawk in directness of aim
4. freedom from crooks or curves or bends or angles
5. (of hair) lack of a tendency to curl