# downright

/ˈdaʊnˌɹaɪt/ (US) · /dˈaʊnɹaɪt/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/downright
Updated: 2026-05-04

## Definition

used to emphasize that something is completely true or extreme. You add it before an adjective to show strong feeling.

For teachers: used to intensify an adjective or adverb, indicating that something is completely or unreservedly so. Typically placed immediately before the word it modifies.

## Examples

- The weather was downright freezing yesterday.
- The manager was downright rude to the new staff members during the morning meeting.
- While the initial proposal seemed reasonable, the final terms were downright exploitative, leaving the workers with no room for negotiation.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.