straightaway: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2informal, conversational
Quick answer
What does “straightaway” mean?
immediately.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
immediately; without any delay or hesitation.
Used to describe an action taken at once, or the initial part of a process or journey (chiefly US spelling 'straightaway' as a noun).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
UK: 'straightaway' is the standard spelling for the adverb meaning 'immediately.' US: 'straightaway' is also used as an adverb, but 'right away' is more common. The noun form ('a straight stretch') is spelled 'straightaway' in US.
Connotations
UK: Slightly dated or formal in informal speech compared to 'straight away' or 'right away.' US: Noun form has a racing/track connotation.
Frequency
More frequent in UK spoken English than US; US prefers 'right away' or 'immediately.'
Grammar
How to Use “straightaway” in a Sentence
[Verb] + straightawayStraightaway + [clause]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “straightaway” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- You should call him straightaway.
- We began the work straightaway.
American English
- She said she'd do it straightaway.
- Let's get started straightaway.
adverb
British English
- He left straightaway after the meeting.
- I recognised her straightaway.
American English
- We need to act straightaway.
- He knew straightaway something was wrong.
adjective
British English
- It was a straightaway decision.
- He gave a straightaway answer.
American English
- It was a straightaway response.
- She made a straightaway choice.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used informally to indicate urgency: 'Send the report straightaway.'
Academic
Rare; 'immediately' or 'promptly' preferred.
Everyday
Common in informal directives and narratives: 'I knew straightaway it was a mistake.'
Technical
Not typical; used in informal instructions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “straightaway”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “straightaway”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “straightaway”
- Writing as two words 'straight away' (UK) vs. one word 'straightaway' (US adverb). Confusing with 'straight away' (UK) vs. 'straightaway' (US noun).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In UK English, both 'straight away' (two words) and 'straightaway' (one word) are accepted for the adverb, though 'straight away' is more common. In US English, the adverb is often one word ('straightaway'), but 'right away' is preferred.
In American English, 'straightaway' can be a noun meaning a straight section of a road, track, or course, especially in racing contexts.
It is informal. In formal contexts, 'immediately,' 'promptly,' or 'at once' are more appropriate.
In UK usage, 'straight away' (two words) is the standard spelling for the adverb. 'Straightaway' (one word) is an accepted variant. In US usage, 'straightaway' is more common as a single word for both adverb and noun.
immediately.
Straightaway: in British English it is pronounced /ˌstreɪtəˈweɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstreɪtəˌweɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “straightaway (as an idiom for 'immediately')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Go STRAIGHT on the WAY' → without turning → without delay.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS SPACE: Moving 'straight' along the 'way' without deviation equals no time lost.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'straightaway' correctly?