straightaway
|straight/a/way|
B1
/ˈstreɪtəˌweɪ/
immediate action
Etymology
Etymology Information
'straightaway' originates from Middle English, specifically the words 'streight' and 'away', where 'streight' meant 'direct' and 'away' meant 'onward'.
Historical Evolution
'streight' and 'away' combined in Middle English to form 'straightaway', eventually becoming the modern English word 'straightaway'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'directly onward', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'immediately'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a straight section of a road or track.
The car accelerated on the straightaway.
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Antonyms
Adverb 1
immediately; without delay.
She called him straightaway after hearing the news.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/02/28 16:21