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taut - What does it mean?

Definition of 'taut'

English

Alternative forms

* (Scotland)

Adjective

(er)
  • Tight; under tension, as in a rope or bow string.
  • * 1883:
  • The hawser was as taut as a bowstring - so strong she pulled upon her anchor.
  • Experiencing stress or anxiety.
  • * 1989 Faye Kellerman, The Quality of Mercy
  • His outward appearance was calm, but inside he was very taut .
  • Containing only relevant parts, brief and controlled.
  • * 2007 Milton C. Sernett, Harriet Tubman: Myth, Memory and History
  • Quick action and dialogue create a taut story, although it is illustration that shapes the characters.

    Derived terms

    * tauten * tautly * tautness

    Synonyms

    tense ----

    Similar to 'taut'

    that, twit, tout, tit, tot, teat, twat, tat, toot, tut, tweet, tatt, tuit, teet, thowt, tait, thatt, toat, twdt, thawt, thot