Langimage
English

taut

|taut|

B2

🇺🇸

/tɔt/

🇬🇧

/tɔːt/

tightness

Etymology
Etymology Information

'taut' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'tought,' where 'tought' meant 'distended or swollen.'

Historical Evolution

'tought' transformed into the modern English word 'taut' through phonetic changes over time.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'distended or swollen,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'stretched or pulled tight.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adjective 1

stretched or pulled tight; not slack.

The rope was taut, ready for the climber to ascend.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Adjective 2

(of writing, music, etc.) concise and controlled.

The novel's taut narrative kept readers on the edge of their seats.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/02/12 10:21