upright
Upright (adj) means standing straight up, vertical. Example: “Please return your seat to the upright position.”
How to Use Upright
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishStanding straight, or (of a person) honest and morally sound.
Word Forms
more upright comparative, more upright comparative, uprighted past tense, Uprights plural, uprights singular, most upright superlative, most upright superlative
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
Please return your seat to the _____ position.
Etymology
From Old English upriht, from up- + right.
Related Words
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “upright” mean?
The word “upright” means standing straight up, vertical. In plain terms, standing straight, or (of a person) honest and morally sound.
How do you pronounce “upright”?
“Upright” is pronounced UHP-ryt (/ˈʌpɹaɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “upright” in a sentence?
Here is “upright” used in a sentence: “Please return your seat to the upright position.”
What part of speech is “upright”?
Depending on how it is used, “upright” can be an adjective and an adverb.
Where does the word “upright” come from?
The word “upright” comes from Old English. From Old English upriht, from up- + right.
Is “upright” a common word?
“Upright” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “upright” have?
“Upright” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: standing straight up, vertical.
What is the difference between the physical and moral senses of "upright"?
In the physical sense, "upright" means standing straight up or vertical, describing posture or position, such as an upright chair. In the moral sense, "upright" describes a person who is honest and morally good, such as an upright citizen.
What is the difference between "upright" and "erect"?
Both describe a vertical, standing position, but "erect" is more often used in technical, anatomical, or formal contexts, while "upright" is the more general, everyday term for standing straight, applicable to posture, furniture, and objects alike.
Can "upright" function as both an adjective and an adverb?
Yes, "upright" can describe a state, as in "an upright post," or a manner of movement or position, as in "sit upright," where it functions adverbially to describe how something is positioned.
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