What does downright mean?

Definitions for downright
ˈdaʊnˌraɪtdown·right

This dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word downright.

Princeton's WordNet

  1. downrightadjective

    characterized by plain blunt honesty

    "a downright answer"; "a downright kind of person"

  2. absolute, downright, out-and-out(a), rank(a), right-down, sheer(a)adverb

    complete and without restriction or qualification; sometimes used informally as intensifiers

    "absolute freedom"; "an absolute dimwit"; "a downright lie"; "out-and-out mayhem"; "an out-and-out lie"; "a rank outsider"; "many right-down vices"; "got the job through sheer persistence"; "sheer stupidity"

  3. downrightadverb

    thoroughgoing

    "he is outright dishonest"

Wiktionary

  1. downrightadverb

    Really; actually; quite; thoroughly; utterly.

    He wasn't just cool to me, he was downright rude.

  2. downrightadjective

    Directed vertically; coming straight down.

  3. downrightadjective

    Directly to the point; plain; unambiguous; unevasive.

  4. downrightadjective

    Using plain direct language; accustomed to express opinions directly and bluntly; blunt.

  5. downrightadjective

    Complete; absolute; utter.

Samuel Johnson's Dictionary

  1. Downrightadjective

    An admonition from a dead author, or a caveat from an impartial pen, will prevail more than a downright advice, which may be mistaken as spoken magisterially. Francis Bacon.

    It is downright madness to strike where we have no power to hurt. Roger L'Estrange, Fab. 44.

    Religion seems not in danger from downright atheism, since rational men must reject that for want of proof. John Rogers, Serm.

    The merchant’s wife, who abounds in plenty, is not to have downright money; but the mercenary part of her mind is engaged with a present of plate. Spectator, №. 266.

    I would rather have a plain downright wisdom, than a foolish and affected eloquence. Ben Jonson, Discoveries.

    When it came to the count to speak, old fact so stared him in the face, after his plain downright way, that the count was struck dumb. Joseph Addison, Count Tariff.

    The idolatry was direct and downright in the people, whose credulity is illimitable. Thomas Browne, Vulgar Errours, b. i. c. 4.

  2. Downrightadverb

    Etymology: down and right.

    A giant’s slain in sight,
    Or mow’d o’erthwart, or cleft downright. Hudibras, p. i.

    Elves away;
    We shall chide downright, if I longer stay. William Shakespeare.

    This paper put Mrs. Bull in such a passion, that she fell downright into a fit. John Arbuthnot, History of John Bull.

ChatGPT

  1. downright

    Downright is an adverb used to emphasize the truth or reality of a situation, often used to describe something in an extreme or absolute way. For example, when something is 'downright amazing', it is exceptionally good or impressive. It can also mean directly or straightforwardly.

Webster Dictionary

  1. Downrightadverb

    straight down; perpendicularly

  2. Downrightadverb

    in plain terms; without ceremony

  3. Downrightadverb

    without delay; at once; completely

  4. Downrightadjective

    plain; direct; unceremonious; blunt; positive; as, he spoke in his downright way

  5. Downrightadjective

    open; artless; undisguised; absolute; unmixed; as, downright atheism

Usage in printed sourcesFrom: 

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Numerology

  1. Chaldean Numerology

    The numerical value of downright in Chaldean Numerology is: 1

  2. Pythagorean Numerology

    The numerical value of downright in Pythagorean Numerology is: 1

Examples of downright in a Sentence

  1. Archie Parnell:

    These actions were inexcusable, wrong and downright embarrassing, since then, my life has been changed by a remarkable woman, two amazing daughters, a forgiving God and a career that has taught me to cherish what I have.

  2. Robin Parisotto:

    There are real questions to be asked if there is no action taken, particularly for the results taken post-2009, some of the values in these athletes were so extreme that they were downright dangerous and the risks to their health were indisputable.

  3. Scott Wilson:

    I think it is downright dangerous and above and beyond what is constitutionally acceptable.

  4. Patrick Henry:

    Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect everyone who approaches that jewel. Unfortunately, nothing will preserve it but downright force. Whenever you give up that force, you are inevitably ruined.

  5. Paul. F. Meekin:

    All the perplexities, confusion and distress in education these days arises, not from defects in the students,teachers or schools, not from want of equipment or technology, but from the downright ignorance of the nature of honor, virtue and kindness. Sound education... thrives on honesty, on honor, on the sacredness of obligations, on faithful protection of childhood, on unselfish performance of teachers and on accountability and reliability.

Popularity rank by frequency of use

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Translations for downright

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"downright." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 24 Oct. 2024. <https://www.definitions.net/definition/downright>.

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    openly distrustful and unwilling to confide
    A whirring
    B suspicious
    C dangerous
    D witless

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