upstanding

[ uhp-stan-ding ]

adjective

1. upright; honorable; straightforward.
2. of a fine, vigorous type.
3. erect; erect and tall.

upstanding

/ ʌpˈstændɪŋ /

adjective

1. of good character
2. upright and vigorous in build
3. be upstanding
   1. (in a court of law) a direction to all persons present to rise to their feet before the judge enters or leaves the court
   2. (at a formal dinner) a direction to all persons present to rise to their feet for a toast

Derived Forms

• upˈstandingness, noun

Other Words From

• up·standing·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of upstanding¹

before 1000; Middle English; Old English upstandende; up-, stand, -ing ²

Example Sentences

"Let us be clear, we will not tolerate the portraits of upstanding public servants, and Democratic Unionists, being damaged in our city hall."

From BBC

Yes there was and it failed, thanks to a single upstanding Republican state senator from Omaha, Mike McDonnell, who refused to go along.

From Los Angeles Times

“He is one of the most professional actors out there, most talented actors out there, he has a brilliant mind, he’s a genius and he’s upstanding,” he said.

From New York Times

Most recently, we witnessed how all too many people thought Walter White was the hero of "Breaking Bad," instead of a character study condemning the darkness that lurks inside many otherwise "upstanding" citizens.

From Salon

But he never made that clear, perhaps because there have been no reports of upstanding citizens being eaten.

From Los Angeles Times