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
The joy surrounding this movie is downright infectious. EW.com, 17 Oct. 2024 These show’s interiors alone are downright bingeable. Kelsey Mulvey, Sunset Magazine, 16 Oct. 2024
Adjective
Sometimes, the tactics car salespeople use go beyond just the hard sell to the downright deceptive. Whizy Kim, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018 With a downright firm underfoot ride and highly prescriptive roll testers all agreed this shoe gives nothing back and creates an awkward stride. Cory Smith, Outside Online, 19 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for downright 

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 31 Oct. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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