Uprightness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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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?

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?

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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'uprightness'

Main points about word origin

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.

The word 'uprightness' originated from the combination of 'upright' and the suffix '-ness', which denotes a state or condition. 'Upright' itself comes from Middle English 'upright', from Old English 'upriht', meaning 'erect, upright'. The concept of uprightness has been valued across various cultures and societies throughout history, symbolizing moral integrity, honesty, and physical posture.