Straits - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Straits are narrow waterways connecting two larger bodies of water, such as seas or oceans. The term can also mean a difficult situation, as in financial straits.
Definition:
Narrow passages of water connecting two larger bodies, or difficult situations.
Synonyms:
channels, passes, narrows, difficulties, crises
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
expanses, solutions
Common Collocations:
dire straits, financial straits, navigational straits, economic straits
Derivatives:
straitened, straitlaced
Usage Tips:
Use "straits" for geographic features or metaphorical difficulties; avoid confusion with "straight."
Common Phrases:
in dire straits, through the straits, financial straits
Etymology:
From Old French "estreit," meaning narrow or tight, derived from Latin "strictus."
Examples:
- 1. The ship sailed through the narrow straits carefully.
- 2. They found themselves in dire financial straits after the recession.
- 3. The Bering Strait connects the Pacific and Arctic Oceans.
- 4. Navigating the rocky straits required expert skill.