Dictionary
1upright
adjective up·right \ˈəp-ˌrīt\
: positioned to be straight up
—used to describe something that is tall rather than wide
: always behaving in an honest way : having high moral standards
Full Definition of UPRIGHT
1
a : perpendicular, vertical b : erect in carriage or posture c : having the main axis or a main part perpendicular <upright freezer>
2
: marked by strong moral rectitude <an upright citizen>
— up·right·ly adverb
— up·right·ness noun
See upright defined for English-language learners
See upright defined for kids
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First Known Use of UPRIGHT
before 12th century
Related to UPRIGHT
Synonym Discussion of UPRIGHT
upright, honest, just, conscientious, scrupulous, honorable mean having or showing a strict regard for what is morally right. upright implies a strict adherence to moral principles <a stern and upright minister>. honest stresses adherence to such virtues as truthfulness, candor, fairness <known for being honest in business dealings>. just stresses conscious choice and regular practice of what is right or equitable <workers given just compensation>. conscientious and scrupulous imply an active moral sense governing all one's actions and painstaking efforts to follow one's conscience <conscientious in the completion of her assignments> <scrupulous in carrying out the terms of the will>. honorable suggests a firm holding to codes of right behavior and the guidance of a high sense of honor and duty <a difficult but honorable decision>.
2upright
adverb
Definition of UPRIGHT
: vertically upward : in an upright position
First Known Use of UPRIGHT
12th century
3upright
noun
: a board or pole placed in a vertical position to support something
Full Definition of UPRIGHT
1
: the state of being upright : perpendicular <a pillar out of upright>
2
: something that stands upright; especially : a football goalpost —usually used in plural
3
See upright defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of UPRIGHT
1683
UPRIGHT Defined for Kids
1upright
adjective up·right \ˈəp-ˌrīt\
Definition of UPRIGHT for Kids
1
: 1vertical <an upright post>
2
: straight in posture
3
: having or showing high moral standards
— up·right·ly adverb
Synonym Discussion of UPRIGHT
upright, honest, and just mean having or showing a great concern for what is right. upright means having high moral standards in all areas of life. <She's an upright person and an example to us all.> honest means dealing with others in a fair and truthful way. <He is an honest merchant who wouldn't cheat anyone.> just is used when a person's fairness comes from both conscious choice and habit. <The principal is just to all students.>
2upright
adverb
Definition of UPRIGHT for Kids
: in or into a vertical position <… careful to keep it upright, he held a wooden object above their heads. — Mary Norton, The Borrowers>
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