upstanding

/ˌʌpˈstændɪŋ/ (bre, ipa) · [ˈʌpstˌændɪŋ] /ˌʌpˈstændɪŋ/ (ame, ipa) · [ˈʌpstˌændɪŋ] /ˌəp-ˈstan-diŋ How to pronounce upstanding (audio) ˈəp-ˌstan-/ (ame, mw)

upstanding — adjective

  • upstandingpositive
  • more upstandingcomparative
  • most upstandingsuperlative

1. describes a person whose actions are guided by strong moral principles, so that

1.形容詞B2
釋義

describes a person whose actions are guided by strong moral principles, so that they are honest, fair, and trustworthy

例句

Kwame Osei was respected as an upstanding business owner who always paid fair wages.

The judge described Anika as an upstanding young woman with a bright future.

同義詞
  • honourable

    similar formal register; broader in scope, covering fairness and generosity as well as honesty

  • honest

    more common and less formal; focuses specifically on truthfulness and not deceiving others

  • principled

    emphasises commitment to a personal code of ethics, sometimes in the face of opposition

  • upright

    shares the moral meaning but also retains the literal physical sense, causing potential ambiguity

反義詞
  • dishonest

    direct opposite in meaning; much more common across all registers

  • corrupt

    implies abuse of power or position for personal gain, often in a professional or political context

用法筆記

Often used attributively before a noun in formal contexts, especially in fixed phrases such as 'upstanding citizen' or 'upstanding member of the community'. Does not describe physical posture — for the literal meaning of 'standing upright', use 'upright' instead.

常見錯誤

❌The soldier stood upstanding at attention.
✅The soldier stood upright at attention.
💡'upstanding' describes moral character, not physical posture.
❌My neighbour is very upstanding.
✅My neighbour is an upstanding member of the community.
💡'upstanding' is formal and most natural in attributive position before a noun.