German word

straff

Pronunciation

IPA/ʃtʁaf/

Meaning

  • adjectivetight

Example

Das Kleid sitzt mir straff.

The dress is tight on me.

Illustration for straff (tight)

More examples

Der Projektplan ist straff und lässt wenig Puffer.

The project plan is tight and leaves little room for maneuver.

Core concept

Something pulled into a firm, orderly line, with no slack in fabric, muscles, or conduct.

Common phrases

  • straffer Zeitplan

    tight schedule

  • straffes Training

    rigorous training

  • unter straffer Aufsicht

    under close supervision

Similar words

eng: Tight or narrow, leaving little room or space for movement.
anliegend: Fitting closely against the body without hanging loosely.
körpernah: Cut close to the body and following its natural lines.

Definition in German

So geschnitten oder angepasst, dass etwas dicht anliegt; kann auch im Sinne von konsequent oder strikt gebraucht werden.

Word origin

German straff is an inherited Germanic adjective recorded in Middle High German as straff, with the older sense 'taut' or 'tight' behind its modern uses.

Usage tips

  • With clothing, straff often means snug and neatly fitted, while zu eng more clearly signals that the clothing is uncomfortably tight.

Other meanings

  • tonedadjective

Opposites

  • nachlässignegligentadjective
  • lockerrelaxedadjective

Related words

  • straffenmake stricterverb
  • Straffungtighteningnoun
  • straffendtighteningadjective

Word lists with this word