uprightness

USAGE SUMMARY

"uprightness" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a quality of having a strong sense of morality or honesty. Example sentence: The uprightness of his character was remarkable and admirable.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Dad Lewis is what once was called an upright man, and as he expires we see the consequences of his uprightness.

The New York Times - Books

The upright, unstreamlined '02 profile starts to seem like a statement of moral uprightness -- or, at least, of aesthetic protest on a long, ugly road of plumped-up, hothouse minivans and relentlessly, soporifically ostentatious S.U.V.'s.

The New York Times - Magazine

This has produced a desire for uprightness among politicians.

The Economist

Shōjiki (defined as uprightness or righteousness) and prayers were emphasized as the means by which to be united with kami.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As the church is "reformed according to the Word of God," so the lives of the individuals in the church are to conform to the Word of God; hence the Reformed tradition has assigned great prominence to the cultivation of moral uprightness among its members.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Moreover, he believed in a loosely federated national church, with each parish free to worship as it wished within very broad limits and staffed by a clergy licensed by the state on the basis of their knowledge of the Bible and the uprightness of their lives, without reference to their religious beliefs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As the basic attitude toward life, Shintō emphasizes makoto no kokoro ("heart of truth"), or magokoro ("true heart"), which is usually translated as "sincerity, pure heart, uprightness".

Encyclopedia Britannica

The view that the possession of uprightness is a solely human attribute is untenable; humans are merely the one species of the order that has exploited the potential of this ancestry to its extreme.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Confucius transformed it into the uprightness of the junzi, who influences others toward ethical action with the example of his excellence (de).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Known for his moral uprightness, he was learned in several disciplines and prominent in government.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

'Uprightness' is to be found in this" (Analects 13.18; Slingerland 2003, 147).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for a formal and respectful tone, use "uprightness" to convey a strong sense of moral integrity and ethical conduct. It's especially fitting in contexts discussing character or principles.

Common error

Avoid equating "uprightness" with inflexibility or a lack of empathy. While it denotes moral integrity, it shouldn't imply an inability to understand or adapt to complex situations.

Linguistic Context

The noun "uprightness" functions primarily to describe a state or quality of moral integrity, honesty, and ethical conduct. As supported by Ludwig, it signifies a strong adherence to principles, often in the face of adversity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "uprightness" signifies moral integrity and honesty, as Ludwig's examples and assessment confirm. This noun is commonly used in news, encyclopedias, and other formal contexts to express admiration for strong ethical character. While considered grammatically correct, it's essential to differentiate "uprightness" from rigidity, emphasizing its role in conveying virtue without implying inflexibility. Given its frequent use and authoritative backing, "uprightness" remains a valuable term in formal and respectful discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moral integrity

Focuses specifically on the moral aspect of being complete and undivided.

honesty and integrity

Combines two key components of uprightness, focusing on truthfulness and moral completeness.

ethical conduct

Highlights the adherence to moral principles in behavior and actions.

principled behavior

Emphasizes that actions are based on strong moral principles.

moral rectitude

Similar to uprightness, suggesting moral correctness and righteousness but can sound more old-fashioned.

moral standing

Emphasizes the degree to which someone is morally acceptable or respected.

honorable nature

Emphasizes the trait of being worthy of respect and admiration.

ethical soundness

Highlights the reliability and validity of one's ethical standing.

moral probity

Similar to rectitude, this term underscores unwavering honesty and integrity.

vertical posture

Focuses on the physical aspect of standing straight or erect, different from the moral connotations.

FAQs

How can I use "uprightness" in a sentence?

You can use "uprightness" to describe a person's moral character, such as, "Her "uprightness" was admired by all who knew her."

What are some synonyms for "uprightness"?

Alternatives to "uprightness" include "integrity", "rectitude", and "honesty", depending on the specific context.

Is "uprightness" formal or informal?

"Uprightness" tends to be a more formal term, suitable for academic, professional, or serious discussions. More casual contexts might benefit from simpler terms like "honesty" or "integrity".

What's the difference between "uprightness" and "righteousness"?

"Uprightness" emphasizes moral integrity and honesty, while "righteousness" often carries a religious or self-assured moral superiority connotation. Uprightness focuses more on inherent moral qualities.