upstanding

Upstanding is an adjective used to describe a person or conduct that is morally upright, honest, and respectable. When someone is described as upstanding, the term implies a steadfast adherence to ethical principles and social norms of decency. It can also refer to actions or behavior that are honorable or worthy of trust, such as upstanding conduct or an upstanding citizen.

Etymology and nuances: The word derives from up + standing, with standing used metaphorically to denote a person’s character or reputation. The sense of moral integrity has developed through English usage over many centuries. The term is generally positive and somewhat formal or old-fashioned; more casual alternatives include upright, honorable, principled, or trustworthy.

Usage notes: In modern usage, upstanding is commonly applied to individuals who exemplify conventional morality, civic responsibility, or reliability. It can describe groups or communities, but it is less common in everyday informal speech. Some editors and speakers prefer upright or honorable for direct everyday usage, while upstanding may appear in profiles, biographies, or formal writing to emphasize character.

See also: Upright; Moral integrity; Ethical conduct; Principled behavior.