upright

¹up·right

adjective \ˈəp-ˌrīt\

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

Examples of UPRIGHT

1. Put your seat back in the upright position.
2. The container should be kept upright to prevent leaks.

First Known Use of UPRIGHT

before 12th century

Related to UPRIGHT

Synonyms

all right, decent, ethical, honest, honorable, just, moral, nice, right, righteous, right-minded, straight, true, good, virtuous

Antonyms

bad, black, dishonest, dishonorable, evil, evil-minded, immoral, indecent, sinful, unethical, unrighteous, wicked, wrong

Related Words

correct, decorous, proper, seemly; high-minded, noble, principled; commendable, creditable, exemplary, legitimate; esteemed, law-abiding, menschy, reputable, respected, upstanding, worthy; blameless, clean, guiltless, immaculate, incorrupt (also incorrupted), incorruptible, innocent, inoffensive, irreproachable, unobjectionable; angelic (or angelical), lily-white, pure, scrupulous, spotless, uncorrupted, unerring; goody-goody, moralistic, pharisaical, rectitudinous, sanctimonious, self-righteous

Near Antonyms

improper, incorrect, indecorous, naughty, unbecoming, unseemly; corrupt, debased, debauched, degenerate, depraved, dissolute, libertine, perverted, reprobate; unprincipled, unscrupulous; atrocious, infamous, villainous; base, low, mean, vicious, vile; blameworthy, objectionable, offensive; iniquitous, nefarious; errant, erring, fallen

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

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

: upright piano

Examples of UPRIGHT

1. The uprights of the structure were embedded in concrete.

First Known Use of UPRIGHT

1683