Straiten meaning

To straiten means to restrict or limit something, usually in terms of resources or opportunities.


Straiten definitions

Word backwards netiarts
Part of speech The part of speech of the word "straiten" is a verb.
Syllabic division strait-en
Plural The plural of the word "straiten" is "straitens."
Total letters 8
Vogais (3) a,i,e
Consonants (4) s,t,r,n

Understanding Straiten

Straits refer to narrow water passages connecting two larger bodies of water. These can include channels, inlets, or estuaries. When we straiten something, we typically are referring to making it more narrow or restricted.

Usage in Language

The term straiten is not as commonly used in everyday language as it once was. However, it can still be found in literature, legal documents, or formal writing. It is often used to convey a sense of constraint, limitation, or difficulty.

History and Etymology

The word straiten can be traced back to Middle English and Old English origins. It is related to the word 'straight,' indicating something that is narrow or constricted. Over time, its usage has evolved to encompass a broader range of meanings related to restriction or difficulty.

Examples of Usage

One might say they feel straitened by their financial situation, meaning they are experiencing financial constraints or limitations. Alternatively, a character in a novel might feel straitened by societal expectations, feeling confined or restricted in their actions.

Synonyms and Related Terms

Synonyms for straiten include words such as restrict, limit, confine, or constrain. These terms all convey a sense of something being narrowed or bound in some way. Related terms might include 'straits,' 'constraints,' or 'difficulties.'


Straiten Examples

  1. Financial difficulties can straiten even the most successful businesses.
  2. The loss of a loved one can straiten a family emotionally and financially.
  3. Being laid off from work can straiten an individual's financial situation.
  4. The pandemic has straitened the global economy.
  5. Straitened circumstances forced them to downsize their home.
  6. Unforeseen expenses can quickly straiten a person's budget.
  7. The limited resources available to the organization have straitened their ability to help more people.
  8. Political unrest can straiten a country's ability to attract foreign investment.
  9. His excessive spending habits have straitened his financial situation.
  10. Straitened circumstances led them to seek financial assistance.


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  • Updated 23/06/2024 - 18:56:45