Downright: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
downright
[ หdaสnraษชt ]
emphasizing degree
Downright is used as an adverb to emphasize the degree or intensity of a quality or situation, often implying that it is extreme or unequivocal. It can be used in both a positive and negative context, suggesting something is completely or absolutely true. The term often indicates a level of honesty or bluntness in assessments or opinions.
Synonyms
absolutely, completely, totally.
Examples of usage
- It's downright unfair to treat people this way.
- Her performance was downright impressive.
- This is downright ridiculous.
emphasizing quality
As an adjective, downright is used to describe something as being completely or totally a certain way, often with a connotation of being straightforward or blunt about it. It conveys an unambiguous and clear quality, whether good or bad. This usage often appears in expressions that highlight something as undeniably true or apparent.
Synonyms
categorical, explicit, outright.
Examples of usage
- That was a downright lie.
- Heโs a downright good person.
- The weather was downright awful.
Translations
Translations of the word "downright" in other languages:
๐ต๐น absolutamente
๐ฎ๐ณ เคธเคคเฅเคฏ
๐ฉ๐ช absolut
๐ฎ๐ฉ sama sekali
๐บ๐ฆ ะฐะฑัะพะปััะฝะพ
๐ต๐ฑ absolutnie
๐ฏ๐ต ใพใฃใใ
๐ซ๐ท absolument
๐ช๐ธ absolutamente
๐น๐ท kesinlikle
๐ฐ๐ท ์ ๋์ ์ผ๋ก
๐ธ๐ฆ ุชู ุงู ูุง
๐จ๐ฟ naprosto
๐ธ๐ฐ รบplne
๐จ๐ณ ๅฎๅ จๅฐ
๐ธ๐ฎ popolnoma
๐ฎ๐ธ algjรถrlega
๐ฐ๐ฟ ัะพะปัาัะผะตะฝ
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ tamamilษ
๐ฒ๐ฝ absolutamente
Etymology
The word 'downright' has its origins in Middle English, deriving from the combination of 'down' and 'right.' The word 'down' has been used in English since Old English, meaning 'from a higher to a lower place,' while 'right' can be traced back to Old English 'riht,' meaning 'just' or 'straight.' The conjoining of these terms emphasizes a movement or condition that is both downward and directly so. Over time, 'downright' evolved into a term of emphasis, highlighting absolute or stark qualities of objects, actions, or characteristics. By the 18th century, 'downright' had firmly established itself in English literature and everyday speech, often used to underscore a point or to candidly convey an opinion. The usage has remained relatively stable, finding a place in both formal and informal contexts, underscoring its versatility and continued relevance in the language.