taut

/tɔːt/adj
Middle School
1

Under tension, like a stretched bowstring, rope, or sail; tight.

2

Not flabby; firm, toned; (of a person) having a lean, strong body.

3

Containing only relevant parts; brief and controlled.

4

Experiencing anxiety or stress.

5

Neat and well-disciplined; (by extension) efficient and in order.

6

Strong; uncompromising.

Sound Patterns & Rhymes

Rhymes

Words that share the same ending sound pattern

Alliteration

Words starting with the same consonant sound — used in poetry and prose to create rhythm, emphasis, and memorable phrasing (e.g. “Peter Piper picked”)

Assonance

Words sharing similar vowel sounds regardless of starting letter — creates internal melody in writing

Consonance

Words sharing similar consonant sound patterns — adds texture and cohesion to writing