streak - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
streak Word Meanings
- a long, thin mark or strip
- a continuous period of success or particular quality
- to move swiftly or quickly
streak Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
streak Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/striːk/
US
/strik/
streak Word Etymology
Root: streak = stria (a line or furrow); Historical origin: Middle English → Old English; Memory image: Picture a bright comet leaving a glowing trail across the night sky.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Streak can describe a long, narrow mark or strip, such as a light-colored streak on a surface, a scratch or smear that runs in a line, or any visible trail left by motion. It also refers to a continuous period of success, good performance, or quality, as in a winning streak or a hot streak of form. In phrases, you can say someone is 'on a streak' when they are performing well, or a 'streak of luck' when outcomes seem unusually favorable. As a verb, to streak means to move swiftly in a straight line and leave a visible trail, or to sweep across a space quickly. Learners should note the distinction between the physical mark sense and the abstract temporal sense.
Usage Reminders
- Use 'on a streak' for ongoing success
- Use 'a streak of' for a single consecutive quality or outcome
- The verb is common in sports- or movement-related contexts
- Streak can describe a physical mark or a period of time, so check the surrounding words
- Beware the slang sense of 'streak' meaning running naked in public, which is informal and often inappropriate in writing
Common Misconceptions
- Streak always refers to a physical line or mark.
- A 'streak' is only about winning games.
- You can use 'streak' as a synonym for ' stripe'.
- The verb streak always means moving in public quickly.
- There is no negative sense of streak.
Thinking Differences
English tends to treat streak as both a physical trail and a figurative run of successes; learners often mix up marks on surfaces with performance streaks or overextend the verb to imply dramatic movement.
Learning Tips
- Listen for the long 'ee' sound in streak and stress on the first syllable
- Differentiate physical marks (streak) from continuities (streaks of luck)
- Use 'on a streak' for ongoing success and 'a streak of' for a specific repeated trait
- Practice with 'streak across' to describe motion leaving a trail
- Be aware of casual slang: 'streak' can mean running naked in public in some regions
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'streak'?
A.A taste
B.A sound
C.A smell
D.A mark
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is 'streak' used correctly?
A.The sweet smell of the streak filled the room.
B.His new painting had a streak of blue running through it.
C.He tasted the streak of fresh strawberries.
D.She could hear the streak of thunder in the distance.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym for 'streak'?
A.Smooth
B.Spot
C.Blend
D.Mingle
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'streak'?
A.Patch
B.Dash
C.Blob
D.Solid
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life context might you hear the word 'streak'?
A.Cooking show discussing food preparation techniques
B.Sports commentary describing an athlete's winning streak
C.Science class learning about chemical reactions
D.Travel blog describing exotic locations
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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