What does straightaway mean?
Straightaway means immediately or without delay, as in “I called him straightaway.” It is especially common in informal British English, although it is also understood in American English. The adverb can appear as one word, “straightaway,” or as two words, “straight away,” and both forms are standard. The related adjective describes a response, decision, or action that is given or completed without hesitation or delay: “Her straightaway reply surprised everyone.” In other contexts, it may suggest an emphatic or unqualified answer rather than merely a fast one. Because it conveys both speed and directness, straightaway is especially useful when describing an immediate reaction, decision, rejection, or response. Its compact form also makes it natural in speech, though a more formal alternative such as “immediately” may be preferable in formal writing.
Immediately; without delay.
"The airline contacted me straightaway."
Informal and especially common in British English. Also written as “straight away.”
Done, given, or answered immediately and without delay.
"They received a straightaway rejection."
Commonly used with “answer,” “reply,” “rejection,” and similar nouns.
One word or two—“straightaway” and “straight away” can both be correct, with the choice often reflecting the grammar.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does straightaway come from?
“Straightaway” combines “straight” with “away” and was used in English before the modern sense of “without delay” became established. Its development reflects the idea of proceeding directly, without an intervening step or delay. The word “straight” ultimately comes from Latin strictus, meaning “tight” or “strict,” and is related to cognates such as “straighten” and “strait.”
How straightaway is actually used
In everyday use, “straightaway” is informal and especially common in British English. As an adverb it may also be written as the two-word phrase “straight away.” As an adjective, it is commonly used before words such as “answer” or “rejection.”