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tight · adjective /tɑɪt/Full view
Adjectives: tight
Verbs: tighten
Adverbs: tight, tightly
tight (CLOTHES)
B1 fitting your body very closely
Dictionary example:

a tight skirt

Learner example:

I hate wearing tight clothes, or shoes with high heels. (Preliminary English Test; B1; German)

tight (FIRM)
B2 firm and difficult to move
Dictionary examples:

Make sure the knot is tight.

I kept a tight grip on his arm.

Learner example:

You should always wear a tight s[ea]tbelt because it c[ould] save your life. (First Certificate in English; B2; Portuguese)

tight (CONTROLLED)
B2 controlled and obeying all rules completely
Dictionary example:

Security was tight at the meeting between the two leaders.

Learner example:

The building is huge with high technology and construction and [has] tight security. (First Certificate in English; B2; Thai)

tight (STRAIGHT)
C2 If cloth, wire, foil, etc., is tight, it has been pulled so that it is straight or smooth.
Dictionary example:

Make sure the line is tight.

tight (NOT MUCH)
B2 If money, time, or space is tight, there is only just enough of it.
Dictionary examples:

We’re on a tight budget and can’t afford to eat out much.

Arnold has a very tight schedule today and I don’t know if he can see you.

We should get six people into the car but it will be tight.

Learner example:

Finally, as I am a student on a very tight budget, I would prefer a cheap B and B, or a family. (First Certificate in English; B2; Polish)

a tight corner
C2 a difficult situation
Dictionary example:

She had been in a tight corner before and had always managed to cope.

Learner example:

It is a great pressure, requiring a lot of effort and sense of humor but does work in most cases, helping to find the best way out of a tight corner. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Russian)

tight · adverb /tɑɪt/
Adjectives: tight
Verbs: tighten
Adverbs: tight, tightly
tight
B2 very firmly or closely
Dictionary examples:

Hold on tight!

His eyes were shut tight.

Learner example:

He held her tight and kissed her. (First Certificate in English; B2; Italian)

tight (STRAIGHT)
C2 so that something is pulled to be straight or smooth
Dictionary example:

The plastic cover was stretched tight over the top of the pool.

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