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Honest vs Downright - What's the difference?

honest | downright | Related terms |

Honest is a related term of downright.


As adjectives the difference between honest and downright

is that honest is (of a person or institution) scrupulous with regard to telling the truth; not given to swindling, lying, or fraud; upright while downright is directed vertically; coming straight down.

As a verb honest

is (obsolete) to adorn or grace; to honour; to make becoming, appropriate, or honourable.

As an adverb downright is

really; actually; quite; thoroughly; utterly.

honest

English

Adjective

(en-adj)
  • (of a person or institution) Scrupulous with regard to telling the truth; not given to swindling, lying, or fraud; upright.
    • We're the most honest people you will ever come across.
  • * Sir W. Temple
    • An honest physician leaves his patient when he can contribute no farther to his health.
  • (of a statement) True, especially as far as is known by the person making the statement; fair; unbiased.
    • an honest''' account of events''; '''''honest reporting
  • In good faith; without malice.
    • an honest mistake
  • (of a measurement device) Accurate.
    • an honest scale
  • Authentic; full.
    • an honest day's work
  • Earned or acquired in a fair manner.
    • an honest dollar
  • Open; frank.
    • an honest countenance
  • (obsolete) Decent; honourable; suitable; becoming.
  • * Shakespeare
    • Behold what honest clothes you send forth to bleaching!
    (Chaucer)
  • (obsolete) Chaste; faithful; virtuous.
  • * Shakespeare
    • Wives may be merry, and yet honest too.

    Synonyms

    * See also

    Antonyms

    * dishonest

    Derived terms

    * honest as the day is long * honesty

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • (obsolete) To adorn or grace; to honour; to make becoming, appropriate, or honourable.
    • (Archbishop Sandys)
  • * (Ben Jonson)
    • You have very much honested my lodging with your presence.

    External links

    * *

    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.