upright

Definitions

up + right ("straight"). The right here is the native English word right, a Germanic cousin of Latin rect that traces back to the same ancient "straight" root. So upright is the homegrown twin of erect (straight up in space) and of rectitude (straight in character) — which is why it means both "vertical" and "morally honest."

Common Collocations

• 1.upright position竖直位置
• 2.upright character正直品格
• 3.sit upright坐直
• 4.upright citizen正派公民

Example Sentences

• 1.

  Please keep your seat in the upright position for landing.

• 2.

  She was an upright woman who never broke a promise.

• 3.

  The fence is held in place by sturdy wooden uprights.