adverb
Uncommon
downright
DOWN-ryt
Downright (adverb) means Thoroughly or absolutely — used to intensify an adjective. Example: “That comment was downright rude.”
adverb
1
Thoroughly or absolutely — used to intensify an adjective.
"That comment was downright rude."
"The plan is downright dangerous."
adjective
1
Direct and plain in manner or speech.
"He gave a downright answer with no hedging."
How to use downright
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUsed before an adjective to mean "completely" or "absolutely" — as in "downright rude" or "downright impossible."
Common pairings
downright rude
downright dangerous
downright impossible
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Word forms
- Plural
- downrights
- Comparative
- more downright
- Superlative
- most downright
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
That comment was _____ rude.
Etymology
From Middle English dounright, from doun ("down") plus right, originally meaning "straight down" before shifting to mean "utterly" or "plainly."
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “downright” mean?
The word “downright” means thoroughly or absolutely — used to intensify an adjective. In plain terms, used before an adjective to mean "completely" or "absolutely" — as in "downright rude" or "downright impossible.".
How do you pronounce “downright”?
“Downright” is pronounced DOWN-ryt (/ˈdaʊnɹaɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “downright” in a sentence?
Here is “downright” used in a sentence: “That comment was downright rude.”
What part of speech is “downright”?
Depending on how it is used, “downright” can be an adverb and an adjective.
Where does the word “downright” come from?
The word “downright” comes from Middle English. From Middle English dounright, from doun ("down") plus right, originally meaning "straight down" before shifting to mean "utterly" or "plainly.".
Is “downright” a common word?
“Downright” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “downright” have?
“Downright” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: thoroughly or absolutely — used to intensify an adjective.
