UPSTART Definition & Meaning

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upstart

[uhp-stahrt, uhp-stahrt]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a person who has risen suddenly from a humble position to wealth, power, or a position of consequence.
a presumptuous and objectionable person who has so risen; parvenu.

adjective

being, resembling, or characteristic of an upstart.

verb (used without object)

to spring into existence or into view.
to start up; spring up, as to one's feet.

verb (used with object)

to cause to start up.

upstart

noun

1. a person, group, etc, that has risen suddenly to a position of power or wealth
2. ( as modifier )
  an upstart tyrant
  an upstart family
1. an arrogant or presumptuous person
2. ( as modifier )
  his upstart ambition

verb

archaic��(intr) to start up, as in surprise, etc

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Other 51�Թ� Forms

upstartness noun

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of upstart¹

1275–1325; Middle English (v.); up-, start

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

In comparison, New York is the young upstart, and we really liked the juxtaposition of the old, the tradition, the steeped in history, versus the new rule breakers.

From

To their critics they are dangerous upstarts who have now gone too far.

From

“And let’s not forget that upstart Meryl Streep,” Matt Roush alerts us.

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And let’s not forget that upstart Robert De Niro.”

From

"I thought I was the tomboy, the only girl that played in the football team, then this little upstart popped up," Westbury tells BBC Sport.

From

upstanding upstate

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