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
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First Known Use of UPRIGHT

before 12th century

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

First Known Use of UPRIGHT

1683
UPRIGHTNESS 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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