downright

[doun-rahyt]

adjective

1. thorough; absolute; out-and-out.

   a downright falsehood.

2. frankly direct; straightforward.

   a downright person.

   Synonyms: blunt, frank, open, forthright, candid

3. Archaic.,  directed straight downward.

   a downright blow.

adverb

1. completely or thoroughly.

   I'm not just upset—I'm downright angry.

downright

/ ˈdaʊnˌraɪt /

adjective

1. frank or straightforward; blunt

   downright speech

2. archaic,  directed or pointing straight down

adverb

1. (intensifier)

   a downright certainty

   downright rude

Other Word Forms

• downrightness noun
• downrightly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of downright¹

Middle English word dating back to 1175–1225; down ¹, right

Example Sentences

Many in training camp gushed about Adams’ circus-like ability to grab a flying football, and some noted that in a joint practice against the Dallas Cowboys, he looked downright unguardable.

From Los Angeles Times

“Much of what he was doing was downright shocking to a mainstream audience.”

From Los Angeles Times

Yet if “The Studio” portrays Hollywood as competitive and chaotic, “Action” painted it as downright cutthroat.

From Los Angeles Times

The significance of these childhood friends coming back home — and coming back home together — made their set downright poignant.

From Salon

Americans are so myopic about their own history, if not downright ignorant, that some minorities think they’re being welcomed into the Heritage Americans fold by Vance and his ilk.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• damned 
• outright