straightway

[ streyt-wey ]

/ ˈstreɪtˌweɪ /

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adverb

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“Was” is used for the indicative past tense of “to be,” and “were” is only used for the subjunctive past tense.

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Origin of straightway

late Middle English word dating back to 1425–75; see origin at straight, way¹

Words nearby straightway

straight stall, straight talk, straight ticket, straight time, straight up, straightway, straight whiskey, strain, strained, strainer, strain fracture

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use straightway in a sentence

"Very well," said the other, handing him a check for twenty-five dollars as a retainer, and straightway left the office.
The Homesteader|Oscar Micheaux
When the English servant takes up hers, she straightway goes and buys a new hat to get photographed in it.
Friend Mac Donald|Max O'Rell
And straightway I saw that the insect stretched forth its slender arm toward Heaven; mysterious, mute, earnest, it was praying.
Frdric Mistral|Charles Alfred Downer
When he returned to France he straightway engaged in new efforts for the cause of liberty.
Harper's Young People, November 30, 1880|Various

With that I took the men straightway to the king, bidding the house-carles hold their peace awhile.
A Prince of Cornwall|Charles W. Whistler

British Dictionary definitions for straightway

straightway

/ (ˈstreɪtˌweɪ) /

adverb

archaic at once

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012