What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
debout
Example
Il est debout devant la porte. [debout: adjective]
Example
Elle se tient debout sur la scène. [debout: adverb]
upright
Example
He sat upright in his chair, listening intently. [upright: adjective]
Example
The bookshelf was perfectly upright, with no wobbling. [upright: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Upright is more commonly used in English than debut. Upright is versatile and can be used in various contexts, while debut is less common and primarily used to describe a person standing up straight.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between debout and upright?
Both debut and upright can be used in formal or informal contexts. However, upright has more variations in its usage and can be employed in different formality levels, making it more versatile than debut.