downright

1 of 2

adverb

down·​right ˈdau̇n-ˌrīt How to pronounce downright (audio)
1
archaic : straight down
2
: absolutely sense 1a
downright handsome
downright mean
3
obsolete : forthright

downright

2 of 2

adjective

1
archaic : directed vertically downward
2
: outright, thorough
a downright lie
3
: plain, blunt
stories he had heard of her downright tongueAngus Wilson
downrightly adverb
downrightness noun

Examples of downright in a Sentence

Adverb The movie was downright stupid. It's very difficult, if not downright impossible. Adjective rural folks are often known for their downright speech, as they are generally not ones to beat around the bush that's a downright lie, and you know it
Recent Examples on the Web
Adverb
In the cradle of Latino political power, rivalries are downright biblical. Laurel Rosenhall, Los Angeles Times, 29 Feb. 2024 While the allure of conspiracy theories may be undeniable, their impact can be downright dangerous, unraveling the fabric of public health, social unity and political stability. Mark Travers, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2024 In fact, in some cases, people with significant health issues may need doses of vitamin D that would be downright dangerous for the average person to consume. Stephen C. George, Discover Magazine, 23 Feb. 2024 While some perceive the filmmaker as introverted, Downey has been regularly bringing out a side of the director that is playful – even downright giggly at times. Jenelle Riley, Variety, 16 Feb. 2024 The debutantes waltzed and spun their white dresses in romantic ripples; the aerial view enjoyed by the attendees in their seats and boxes was downright dazzling. Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 13 Feb. 2024 Weather Chicago summers can be beautiful but humid while long winters can be windy, snowy and downright brutal. Meena Thiruvengadam, Travel + Leisure, 21 Feb. 2024 Sydney news anchors were downright giddy earlier in the day reporting that Kelce was close. Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 21 Feb. 2024 The past few generations of Zenfone, including the most recent Zenfone 9 and Zenfone 10, maintained a 5.9-inch screen — downright petite next to the 6.6- and 6.7-inch screens on many flagship Android phones. Allison Johnson, The Verge, 20 Feb. 2024
Adjective
The Hogan recruitment served as a capstone to months of quiet success for Mr. Daines and Senate Republicans, after more than a decade filled with recruiting disappointments, misfires and downright self-sabotage. Shane Goldmacher, New York Times, 28 Feb. 2024 Hero Cosmetics Mighty Pimple Patches These pimple patches are a downright necessity in our house. Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Parents, 26 Feb. 2024 Voters express pessimism, if not downright anger, at the way things are going in the country — citing immigration as their top concern — and nearly half rate the economy as poor. Jennifer De Pinto, CBS News, 24 Feb. 2024 Suggesting that Taylor Swift’s romance with Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce is part of some kind of government plan to get Joe Biden reelected — a right-wing conspiracy theory that, like most of them, is grounded in fear, ignorance and downright stupidity — is nuts. Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 31 Jan. 2024 And considering the portion sizes and the great fresh quality of the meats and cheese, that's a downright steal. Endia Fontanez, The Arizona Republic, 29 Jan. 2024 Giving him the ball is a downright foolproof formula. Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 7 Feb. 2024 By today’s rating standards, this Hollywood classic is downright tame, but between the twister, the peril, and the witch’s general menacing, murderous intentions, some younger or more sensitive kids could be frightened. Common Sense Media, Washington Post, 26 Jan. 2024 The proceedings are conducted with an almost ecstatic self-seriousness that frequently tips over into downright silliness. Helen Rosner, The New Yorker, 21 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'downright.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of downright was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near downright

Cite this Entry

“Downright.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downright. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

downright

1 of 2 adverb
down·​right -ˌrīt How to pronounce downright (audio)
: in a complete and absolute manner
that was downright stupid

downright

2 of 2 adjective
1
: absolute sense 3, utter
a downright lie
2
: outspoken, blunt
downright country people
downrightly adverb
downrightness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on downright

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