WordGarden.iotaut
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /tˈɔːt/
US
- /ˈtɔt/
Meanings
Adjective
pulled tight; stretched firm and not slack
tense, strained, or full of pressure or suspense
concise, disciplined, and tightly controlled in style or structure
Beyond the definition
Imagine a rope pulled tight between two posts, firm and ready to hold. That's taut. It describes something stretched or pulled so tightly that it feels firm, with almost no slack. A taut rope is hard to bend, and a taut situation is full of tension. You might feel your muscles become taut when you brace for impact, or describe a thriller as a story "taut with suspense." Think of a drumhead just before the beat, perfectly stretched and ready to respond.
The word taut describes something that is tightly stretched, strained, or made firm by tension. It goes beyond simply being "tight"; it suggests a state of pressure, control, or readiness. The word has long been common in maritime life, where a taut rope was essential for controlling sails and keeping a ship in order.
Today, we use taut in both physical and metaphorical contexts. A physical example might be the suspension cables of a bridge, pulled taut to support great weight, or the skin of a drum stretched taut across its frame. It can also describe the human body: muscles, nerves, or even facial skin can grow taut under stress or effort. Metaphorically, a taut atmosphere is full of strain, and a taut screenplay keeps you on the edge of your seat because of its lean, suspenseful pacing.
Think about a rubber band stretched close to its limit: that is the essence of taut. Or consider a room where everyone is carefully choosing their words, afraid to break a delicate silence; that atmosphere is taut with anticipation. It is not just about the lack of slack. It is also about the feeling of being close to action, strain, or even breaking.
So, if you want to describe something stretched to its limit, brimming with energy, or poised for a reaction, reach for the word taut—it captures that sense of restrained intensity perfectly.
Examples
- 1
Rope safety
The climber checked that the rope was taut before he started down the cliff.
- 2
Physical reaction
Her shoulders went taut when she heard footsteps behind her.
- 3
Angry voice
His voice stayed taut with anger throughout the meeting.
- Patterntaut with + emotion
visibly or audibly tense because of that feeling
- 4
Anxious waiting
A taut silence filled the room while they waited for the test results.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Film review
It’s a taut thriller that never wastes a scene.
- Phrasea taut film or story
one that feels tightly made and full of tension
See also
Forms and spellings
3 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- tautadjective
Forms
- tautercomparativeadjective
- tautestsuperlativeadjective