downright

1 of 2

adverb

down·​right ˈdau̇n-ˌrīt 

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 tongue …

—Angus Wilson

downrightly adverb

downrightness noun

Synonyms of downright

Adjective

• abrupt
• blunt
• short
• gruff
• curt
• rude
• brusque
• outspoken
• crass
• crusty

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 a secondary that was downright awful in 2025, Reddy Steward was one of the pleasant surprises. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 July 2026

The plot lacks essential narrative ligaments and makes David Lynch’s canon seem downright accessible. — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 23 July 2026

Adjective

Teslas lifestyle products range from traditional and practical merch to downright bizarre items since most Americans recognize it as a car brand. — Charles Singh, USA Today, 17 July 2026

And yet, generations of Americans have come here not despite its eccentricities—and downright aversion to good taste—but because of them, which serves as a reminder that originality, even at its most excessive, never really goes out of style. — Air Mail, 4 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for downright

• affright
• airtight
• albite
• alight
• alright
• aplite
• aright
• bainite
• birthright
• bobwhite
• bornite
• bullfight

Kids Definition

downright

1 of 2 adverb

down·​right -ˌrīt 

: 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