Streak vs. Streek: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 2, 2023
"Streak" generally refers to a line, stripe, or series of occurrences, while "Streek" is an archaic or dialectal term meaning to stretch or extend.
Key Differences
"Streak" is a word with various applications, often describing a line or stripe distinct from its surroundings, like a streak of lightning across the sky. "Streek," on the other hand, is seldom used in modern English; it's an archaic term generally meaning to stretch or extend, often in the context of spreading something flat.
Both "Streak" and "Streek" are nouns and can also be used as verbs. A "streak" could refer to a series of successes or failures; for instance, a winning streak in sports. "Streek" as a verb means to stretch or lay out, usually in the context of clothes or linens.
When considering the grammatical structure, "streak" can often be used as an adjective, as in "streak-free finish," while "streek" rarely serves this function due to its archaic status. In modern usage, you would be far more likely to encounter "streak" in both written and spoken English.
Finally, while "streak" is a term that continues to evolve, finding applications in contexts like data analysis to describe patterns, "streek" remains mostly unchanged and is seldom used outside historical or very specific regional contexts.
Comparison Chart
Commonality
Common
Rare/Archaic
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Parts of Speech
Noun, Verb, Adjective
Noun, Verb
Usage Context
Various
Historically specific
Modern Applications
Yes
No
Evolution
Continuously evolving
Mostly unchanged
Streak and Streek Definitions
Streak
A characteristic tendency.
Her rebellious streak got her into trouble.
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Streek
Archaic term for laying out a corpse.
They streked the body for burial.
Streak
A trace or small amount.
There was a streak of sadness in his eyes.
Streek
To stretch or extend.
He streked the linen before hanging it.
Streak
A line, mark, smear, or band differentiated by color or texture from its surroundings.
Streek
To straighten.
He streked the bent nail with a hammer.
Streak
An inherent, often contrasting quality
"There was a streak of wildness in him" (Olga Carlisle).
Streek
To spread out flat.
She streked the map on the table.
Streak
A ray or flash of light
The first streaks of dawn.
A streak of lightning.
Streek
Dialectal term for arranging or putting in order.
I need to streek the house before the guests arrive.
Streak
A brief run or stretch, as of luck.
Streek
To stretch.
Streak
An unbroken series, as of wins or losses.
Streek
To lay out, as a dead body.
Streak
(Mineralogy) The color of the fine powder produced when a mineral is rubbed against a hard surface. Used as a distinguishing characteristic.
Streek
To stretch; also, to lay out, as a dead body. See Streak.
Streak
(Botany) Any of various viral diseases of plants characterized by the appearance of discolored stripes on the leaves or stems.
Streak
(Microbiology) A sample of microorganisms that has been introduced into a solid culture medium by a needle drawn across its surface.
Streak
To mark with streaks
Rain streaking the pavement.
Streak
To make streaks of a different, usually lighter color in (hair) using a chemical preparation.
Streak
(Microbiology) To inoculate (a culture medium) with a streak.
Streak
To form streaks.
Streak
To be or become streaked.
Streak
To move at high speed; rush.
Streak
To run naked in public, especially as a prank.
Streak
An irregular line left from smearing or motion.
The picture I took out the car window had streaks.
Streak
A continuous series of like events.
I hope I can keep up this streak of accomplishments.
I was on a winning streak until the fourth game, when I was dealt terrible cards.
Streak
The color of the powder of a mineral. So called, because a simple field test for a mineral is to streak it against unglazed white porcelain.
Streak
A moth of the family Geometridae, Chesias legatella.
Streak
A tendency or characteristic, but not a dominant or pervasive one.
She's a quiet, bookish person, but she has a rebellious streak.
Streak
(shipbuilding) A strake.
Streak
A rung or round of a ladder.
Streak
The act of streaking, or running naked through a public area.
Streak
(intransitive) To have or obtain streaks.
If you clean a window in direct sunlight, it will streak.
Streak
(intransitive) To run quickly.
Streak
(intransitive) To run naked in public. Contrast flash
It was a pleasant game until some guy went streaking across the field.
Streak
(transitive) To create streaks.
You will streak a window by cleaning it in direct sunlight.
Streak
(transitive) To move very swiftly.
Streak
To stretch; to extend; hence, to lay out, as a dead body.
Streak
To stretch; to extend; hence, to lay out, as a dead body.
Streak
To form streaks or stripes in or on; to stripe; to variegate with lines of a different color, or of different colors.
A mule . . . streaked and dappled with white and black.
Now streaked and glowing with the morning red.
Streak
With it as an object: To run swiftly.
Streak
A line or long mark of a different color from the ground; a stripe; a vein.
What mean those colored streaks in heaven?
Streak
A strake.
Streak
The fine powder or mark yielded by a mineral when scratched or rubbed against a harder surface, the color of which is sometimes a distinguishing character.
Streak
The rung or round of a ladder.
Streak
An unbroken series of events;
Had a streak of bad luck
Nicklaus had a run of birdies
Streak
A distinctive characteristic;
He has a stubborn streak
A streak of wildness
Streak
A marking of a different color or texture from the background
Streak
A sudden flash (as of lightning)
Streak
Move quickly in a straight line;
The plane streaked across the sky
Streak
Run naked in a public place
Streak
Mark with spots or blotches of different color or shades of color as if stained
Streak
A line or stripe distinct from its surroundings.
The tiger has orange and black streaks.
Streak
A series of occurrences.
He is on a winning streak.
Streak
To mark or be marked with lines.
She streaked her hair with highlights.
FAQs
What does Streek mean?
Streek is an archaic term generally meaning to stretch or extend.
Is Streek commonly used?
No, "streek" is a rare or archaic term.
Can Streak be used as an adjective?
Yes, for example, "streak-free finish."
What does Streak mean?
Streak can refer to a line or stripe distinct from its surroundings or a series of occurrences.
Are both words nouns and verbs?
Yes, both can function as nouns and verbs.
Is Streak commonly used?
Yes, "streak" is a common word with various applications.
Can Streek be used as an adjective?
It's rare due to its archaic nature.
What is a "winning streak"?
A winning streak refers to a series of successive victories.
Can Streak refer to characteristics?
Yes, like saying someone has a "rebellious streak."
Is Streek used in specific regions?
It may appear in dialects or historical texts, but it's generally rare.
Can you use Streak in data analysis?
Yes, it can describe patterns or trends in data.
Can Streek be used in modern writing?
It can be, but it's largely considered archaic.
Are these words synonyms?
No, they have different meanings and usages.
What's the difference in usage context?
"Streak" has various contexts, while "streek" is historically specific.
Is Streek ever used to describe people?
Rarely, mostly in the context of laying out a corpse historically.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
