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1

upbeat

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noun up·beat \ˈəp-ˌbēt\

Definition of upbeat

  1. 1 :  an unaccented beat or portion of a beat in a musical measure; specifically :  the last beat of the measure

  2. 2 :  an increase in activity or prosperity business that is on the upbeat

See upbeat defined for kids

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1869

First Known Use of upbeat

1869

Other Music Terms

cacophony, chorister, concerto, counterpoint, madrigal, obbligato, presto, presto, refrain, riff, segue

2

upbeat

adjective up·beat

Definition of upbeat

  1. :  cheerful, optimistic I'm feeling upbeat today

See upbeat defined for English-language learners

Examples of upbeat in a Sentence

  1. I like a story with an upbeat ending.

  2. I tried to stay upbeat about losing the election.

1947

First Known Use of upbeat

1947

upbeat Synonyms

Synonyms
blithe, blithesome, bright, buoyant, canty [British dialect], cheery, chipper, eupeptic, gay, gladsome, lightsome, sunny, cheerful, winsome
Antonyms
dour, gloomy, glum, morose, saturnine, sulky, sullen
Related Words
hopeful, optimistic, rosy, sanguine; animated, chirpy, jaunty, lilting, lively, perky, sprightful, sprightly, vivacious; carefree, careless, cavalier, devil-may-care, easygoing, happy-go-lucky, insouciant, lighthearted, unconcerned; boon, gleeful, jocund, jolly, jovial, merry, mirthful; blissful, delighted, glad, gratified, happy, joyful, joyous, pleased, satisfied, tickled; beaming, grinning, laughing, smiling
Near Antonyms
joyless, sad, unhappy, unsatisfied; dull, lethargic, listless, sluggish, torpid; blue, brokenhearted, crestfallen, dejected, depressed, despondent, disconsolate, disheartened, down, downcast, downhearted, droopy, forlorn, hangdog, heavyhearted, inconsolable, low, low-spirited, melancholy, mirthless, sorrowful

UPBEAT Defined for English Language Learners

upbeat

adjective

Definition of upbeat for English Language Learners

  • : positive and cheerful : happy and hopeful

UPBEAT Defined for Kids

1

upbeat

play
noun up·beat \ˈəp-ˌbēt\

Definition of upbeat for Students

  1. :  a beat in music that is not accented and especially one just before a downbeat

2

upbeat

play
adjective up·beat

Definition of upbeat for Students

  1. :  cheerful and positive an upbeat story

Learn More about upbeat

  1. See words that rhyme with upbeat Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for upbeat Nglish: Translation of upbeat for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of upbeat for Arabic speakers

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Examples: upbeat in a Sentence