strait

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B2 — Upper-Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a narrow channel of the sea joining two larger bodies of water
  2. noun a bad or difficult situation or state of affairs
  3. adjective narrow

Etymology

From Middle English streit, from Old French estreit (modern form étroit), from Latin strictus, perfect passive participle of stringō (“compress, tighten”). Doublet of stretto and strict.

In classic literature

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