Uprightness: meaning, definitions and examples

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uprightness

 

[ˈʌpˈraɪtnəs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

personal characteristics

The quality or state of being honest and morally upright.

Synonyms

honesty, integrity, morality, probity, rectitude.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
uprightness

Use when describing someone’s adherence to moral and ethical principles, often implying a strong sense of fairness and justice.

  • Her uprightness was always evident in her business dealings.
  • The judge was respected for his unwavering uprightness.
honesty

Simple and direct truthfulness, often used to describe someone's openness and lack of deceit in various situations.

  • I appreciate your honesty in telling me what really happened.
  • Honesty is the best policy.
integrity

A broader term often encompassing honesty but also includes a person's commitment to strong moral and ethical principles consistently, even when it's difficult.

  • Her integrity was integral to the trust the team had in her.
  • In leadership, integrity is essential.
morality

Used to discuss a person's beliefs or behaviors related to what is right and wrong, often in a broader philosophical or societal discussion.

  • The debate centered primarily on issues of morality.
  • His strong sense of morality guided his decisions.
rectitude

A slightly old-fashioned term that emphasizes strict honesty and moral correctness in behavior and thinking.

  • Her rectitude was admired by all who knew her.
  • Through acts of rectitude, he gained a reputation for fairness.
probity

A formal term used to refer to a person's adherence to the highest principles and ideals, especially in public service or business ethics.

  • The company's probity won it many loyal customers.
  • He is a man of unquestionable probity.

Examples of usage

  • She was known for her uprightness and integrity.
  • His uprightness in dealing with others earned him respect.
  • The company values employees who demonstrate uprightness in their work.
  • The uprightness of his actions was unquestionable.
  • Her uprightness was evident in every decision she made.
Context #2 | Noun

physical posture

The quality or state of being erect or vertical.

Synonyms

erectness, perpendicularity, straightness, verticality.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
uprightness

Also use this when describing physical posture or the state of being vertical.

  • The tree's uprightness after the storm was surprising.
erectness

Use this when referring to physical posture, especially in a precise or strict manner.

  • The soldier's erectness during the parade was commendable.
verticality

Use this in contexts discussing orientation, specifically the state of being vertical or upright.

  • The verticality of the skyscraper made it stand out in the city skyline.
straightness

Use this when talking about something being straight, either literally or figuratively.

  • The straightness of the road made the journey easier.
  • Her straightness in communicating her feelings was appreciated by everyone.
perpendicularity

Use this in technical or geometric contexts to describe objects meeting at right angles.

  • The architect emphasized the perpendicularity of the walls in his design.

Examples of usage

  • He stood with great uprightness, his posture impeccable.
  • Maintaining uprightness is important for proper spinal alignment.
  • The tree's uprightness made it stand out among the others in the forest.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'uprightness' originates from the Old English word 'uprihte,' meaning 'vertical' or 'straight', hinting at moral clarity.
  • It combines 'up' and 'right,' suggesting both physical and ethical standing.
  • Historically, 'upright' was used to describe someone virtuous without any bending towards wrongdoing.

Philosophy

  • Many philosophers, like Aristotle, viewed uprightness as a central virtue of good character, essential for ethical living.
  • In Confucianism, uprightness is part of the concept of 'ren,' meaning benevolence or kindness, essential for harmonious society.
  • The Stoics believed that uprightness is crucial for inner peace and serenity, stressing the importance of virtue.

Literature

  • In many classic works, characters embodying uprightness are seen as moral compasses for others, like Atticus Finch in 'To Kill a Mockingbird.'
  • Uprightness is often portrayed as a heroic quality in literature, reflecting the complexity of human integrity against societal pressure.
  • In fairy tales, upright characters are frequently rewarded, reinforcing cultural values around honesty and virtue.

Culture

  • In various cultures, uprightness is celebrated during moral storytelling, often teaching children the importance of honesty and integrity.
  • Cultural traditions often include figures or heroes who exemplify uprightness, reinforcing societal values through folklore.
  • Religious teachings across various faiths emphasize the importance of living an upright life as a path to spiritual fulfillment.

Psychology

  • Research shows that individuals who prioritize uprightness tend to have better relationships and higher self-esteem.
  • Moral uprightness is linked to increased resilience against stress, as those with strong principles often cope better in tough situations.
  • Uprightness can inspire trust in interpersonal relationships, leading to more collaborative and positive environments.

Translations

Translations of the word "uprightness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 retidão

🇮🇳 ईमानदारी

🇩🇪 Aufrichtigkeit

🇮🇩 kebenaran

🇺🇦 чесність

🇵🇱 uczciwość

🇯🇵 正直

🇫🇷 rectitude

🇪🇸 rectitud

🇹🇷 dürüstlük

🇰🇷 정직

🇸🇦 استقامة

🇨🇿 poctivost

🇸🇰 poctivosť

🇨🇳 正直

🇸🇮 poštenost

🇮🇸 hreinskilni

🇰🇿 адалдық

🇬🇪 პატიოსნება

🇦🇿 dürüstlük

🇲🇽 rectitud