downright
UK: ˈdaʊnraɪt | US: ˈdaʊnˌraɪt
adj. complete, absolute (used to emphasize something negative)
adv. thoroughly, completely
The word "downright" originated in Middle English by combining "down" (indicating direction or intensity) and "right" (meaning "direct" or "straight"). Originally, it described something moving straight downward (literal sense), but by the 16th century, it evolved to emphasize absoluteness or bluntness, often with negative connotations (e.g., "downright rude"). The morphemes retain their original spellings while merging to convey intensified meaning.
His behavior was downright unacceptable.
She was downright furious when she heard the news.
The weather turned downright miserable by evening.
That’s a downright lie!
The food was downright delicious, far better than expected.