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Flagrant vs Downright - What's the difference?

flagrant | downright | Related terms |

Flagrant is a related term of downright.


As adjectives the difference between flagrant and downright

is that flagrant is obvious and offensive, blatant, scandalous or flagrant can be (obsolete) while downright is directed vertically; coming straight down.

As an adverb downright is

really; actually; quite; thoroughly; utterly.

flagrant

English

Alternative forms

* flagraunt (qualifier)

Etymology 1

From (etyl) flagrant, from (etyl) flagrantem, present participle of . More at (l).

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Obvious and offensive, blatant, scandalous
  • * 1740, David Hume, A Treatise of Human Nature
    • It is certain, therefore, that in all our notions of morals we never entertain such an absurdity as that of passive obedience, but make allowances for resistance in the more flagrant instances of tyranny and oppression.
  • (archaic) On fire, flaming.
    • Synonyms
    * (obvious and offensive) blatant, glaring * (on fire) burning, flaming
    Related terms
    * in flagrante delicto

    Etymology 2

    From (etyl)

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • (obsolete)
    • ----

    downright

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Directed vertically; coming straight down.
  • Directly to the point; plain; unambiguous; unevasive.
  • Using plain direct language; accustomed to express opinions directly and bluntly; blunt.
  • Complete; absolute; utter.

    • Synonyms

    * (l)

    Derived terms

    * (l)

    Adverb

    (-)
  • Really; actually; quite; thoroughly; utterly.
    • He wasn't just cool to me, he was downright rude.
  • Straight down; perpendicularly.
  • Without delay; at once.
  • * Arbuthnot
    • She fell downright into a fit.

    Usage notes

    "Downright" is used to intensify or emphasize the following adjective, which usually refers to some negative quality.