taut
Translation
stretched tight, tense
Examples
The rope was pulled taut.
The rope was pulled taut.
Her face was taut with anxiety.
Her face was taut with anxiety.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) is taut (sth.) is stretched tight The rope was pulled taut.
Similar Words
Synonyms: tight, stretched, rigid; Antonyms: slack, loose
Etymology
Possibly related to Old English *tēon* 'to pull, draw'.
Memory Tips
It's a homophone of 'taught'. Picture a rope that has been 'taught' a lesson in being tight.