kerzengerade
Translation
bolt upright, ramrod straight, straight as a die
Examples
Er saß kerzengerade auf dem Stuhl.
He sat bolt upright on the chair.
Die Soldaten standen kerzengerade.
The soldiers stood ramrod straight.
Grammar Patterns
Used as an adverb to modify a verb He sat kerzengerade.
Similar Words
Synonyms: aufrecht, schnurgerade; Antonyms: krumm, gebückt
Etymology
From 'Kerze' (candle) + 'gerade' (straight). Literally 'candle-straight'.
Memory Tips
Picture a tall, straight candle that doesn't bend. This word describes that kind of posture.