upright
UHP-ryt
Upright (adj) means standing straight up, vertical. Example: “Please return your seat to the upright position.”
adj
1
Standing straight up, vertical.
"Please return your seat to the upright position."
"Keep the ladder upright while I climb up to the roof."
"The old oak stood upright even after the storm."
2
Honest and morally good.
"She was known as an upright and fair judge."
"He was an upright citizen who always paid back what he owed."
"Everyone in the village trusted her because she was so upright."
adv
1
In a vertical or standing position.
"He sat bolt upright when he heard the noise."
"The toddler stood upright for the first time and grinned."
"Sit upright and keep your feet flat on the floor."
How to use upright
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishStanding straight, or (of a person) honest and morally sound.
Common pairings
upright position
upright citizen
stand upright
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- uprights
- Past tense
- uprighted
- Comparative
- more upright
- Superlative
- most upright
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Please return your seat to the _____ position.
Etymology
From Old English upriht, from up- + right.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
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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