Upturned Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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upturned

[สŒpหˆtษœrnd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

position, appearance

Upturned refers to something that is turned upwards or facing upwards. This term is often used to describe objects, such as surfaces or features of a design, that are finished or oriented in a way that they rise or curve above a baseline.

Synonyms

lifted, raised, turned-up.

Examples of usage

  • The upturned nose of the statue gave it a whimsical charm.
  • She walked with her upturned chin, showing confidence.
  • His upturned palms indicated he was ready to receive something.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • In movies and literature, an 'upturned' expression often symbolizes hope or a change in perspective for characters.
  • Many famous paintings use 'upturned' elements to draw the viewer's eye towards the sky, evoking feelings of wonder.

Psychology

  • 'Upturned' body language, like lifting your chin or smiling, can make someone appear more confident and approachable.
  • Research shows that people perceive 'upturned' facial expressions as more positive, influencing social interactions.

Nature

  • During storms, many trees have their roots 'upturned' by strong winds, illustrating nature's powerful forces.
  • Certain species of flowers have 'upturned' parts, which help them catch sunlight better for photosynthesis.

Art

  • In sculpture, an 'upturned' posture can convey the idea of reaching for something greater or aspiring to new heights.
  • Artists often depict 'upturned' items to create a sense of movement or action in their pieces.

Origin of 'upturned'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'upturned' combines 'up' and 'turn', indicating a motion of turning something so it faces upward.
  • It first appeared in the English language around the late 19th century and is a compound of older, simpler words.

The word 'upturned' is derived from the combination of the prefix 'up' and the past participle 'turned'. The prefix 'up' suggests a movement or direction towards a higher position, while 'turned' comes from the Old English 'turnian', which means to move in a circular or revolving manner. The evolution of 'turn' can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic root '*turnลnฤ…', linked to rotational movements. The modern usage of 'upturned' began to be recorded in the English language around the early 18th century, reflecting its representation of objects positioned or oriented in an upward direction. In various contexts, especially in art and design, 'upturned' has gained popularity to describe aesthetic features that evoke a sense of uplift, be it in physical objects, facial expressions, or even attitudes.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,051, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.