n.
Pronunciation: ' ə p- ˌ r ī t
Function: adjective
Date: before 12th century
1 a : PERPENDICULAR , VERTICAL b : erect in carriage or posture c : having the main axis or a main part perpendicular < upright freezer>
2 : marked by strong moral rectitude <an upright citizen>
– up · right · ly adverb
– up · right · ness noun
synonyms UPRIGHT , HONEST , JUST , CONSCIENTIOUS , SCRUPULOUS , HONORABLE mean having or showing a strict regard for what is morally right. UPRIGHT implies a strict adherence to moral principles <a stern and upright minister>. HONEST stresses adherence to such virtues as truthfulness, candor, fairness <known for being honest in business dealings>. JUST stresses conscious choice and regular practice of what is right or equitable <workers given just compensation>. CONSCIENTIOUS and SCRUPULOUS imply an active moral sense governing all one's actions and painstaking efforts to follow one's conscience < conscientious in the completion of her assignments> < scrupulous in carrying out the terms of the will>. HONORABLE suggests a firm holding to codes of right behavior and the guidance of a high sense of honor and duty <a difficult but honorable decision>.