tight
UK: taɪt | US: taɪt
adj. 1. Firmly fixed in place; not loose or slack.
adj. 2. (of a space) Limited in room; cramped.
adj. 3. (of money or resources) Scarce or strictly controlled.
adv. In a firm or secure manner.
The word "tight" originates from Old Norse þéttr ("dense, compact"), which evolved into Middle English thight or tight. The modern spelling reflects phonetic simplification. The core idea of "firmness" or "constriction" has persisted, extending metaphorically to describe scarcity (e.g., "tight budget") or closeness (e.g., "tight space"). The Germanic root þenkh- ("to press") underlies its logic, linking to physical and abstract tension.
The jar lid was too tight to open by hand.
She wore a tight dress to the party.
Money was tight after the unexpected expense.
Hold the rope tight to avoid slipping.
The deadline left us with a tight schedule.