strait/straight

strait (strāt)

Noun

• A narrow channel joining two larger bodies of water. Often used in the plural with a singular verb.
• A position of difficulty, perplexity, distress, or need. Often used in the plural: in desperate straits.

Adjective

• Difficult; stressful.
• Having or marked by limited funds or resources.

straight (strāt)

Adjective

• Extending continuously in the same direction without curving: a straight line.
• Having no waves or bends: straight hair.
• Not bent or bowed; rigid or erect: a straight, strong back.
• Perfectly horizontal or vertical; level or even: The mirror isn't straight.
• Direct and candid: a straight answer.

Adverb

• In a straight line; directly.
• In an erect posture; upright.
• Without detour or delay: went straight home.
• Without circumlocution; candidly: I'll say it to you straight: you're wrong.
• In a neat and orderly condition: put the living room straight.

Noun

• The straight part of a racecourse between the winning post and the last turn.
• A straight line.
• Games. A poker hand containing five cards of various suits in numerical sequence, ranked above three of a kind and below a flush.
• A conventional person, especially one considered a member of established society.
• A heterosexual person.