downright

1 of 2

adverb

down·​right ˈdau̇n-ˌrīt 

1

archaic : straight down

2

: absolutely sense 1a

downright handsome

downright mean

3

obsolete : forthright

downright

2 of 2

adjective

1

archaic : directed vertically downward

2

: outright, thorough

a downright lie

3

: plain, blunt

stories he had heard of her downright tongue

—Angus Wilson

downrightly adverb

downrightness noun

Synonyms

Adjective

• abrupt
• bluff
• blunt
• brusque
• brusk
• crusty
• curt
• short
• short-spoken
• snippy
• unceremonious

Examples of downright in a Sentence

Adverb

The movie was downright stupid.

It's very difficult, if not downright impossible.

Adjective

rural folks are often known for their downright speech, as they are generally not ones to beat around the bush

that's a downright lie, and you know it

Recent Examples on the Web

Adverb

As many Democrats in Congress have struggled to respond to the fire hose of disruption—at times seeming downright doddering in response to the White House’s potential upending of the constitutional order—the 53-year-old Schatz has helped his party find their footing. —Philip Elliott, TIME, 10 Feb. 2025

But there is a way young women are spoken to by some members of the medical establishment that ranges from patronizing and infantilizing to downright dismissive and dangerous. —Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 6 Feb. 2025

Adjective

Even though it's marketed for mature skin, this radiance-in-a-jar makes folks of all ages look fresh, rested, and downright dewy. —Vogue Club, Vogue, 5 Feb. 2025

The Warriors’ front office might think too highly of itself to grasp the severity of the situation, but these questions are downright existential. —Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 3 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

downright

1 of 2 adverb

down·​right -ˌrīt 

: in a complete and absolute manner

that was downright stupid

downright

2 of 2 adjective

1

: absolute sense 3, utter

a downright lie

2

: outspoken, blunt

downright country people

downrightly adverb

downrightness noun