regelrecht
Translation
downright, veritable, proper, formal
Examples
Das war eine regelrechte Katastrophe.
It was a downright catastrophe.
Er hat mich regelrecht ignoriert.
He downright ignored me.
Grammar Patterns
as an adjective for emphasis: a ((regelrecht)) + noun. It was a veritable miracle. Das war ein regelrechtes Wunder.
as an adverb for emphasis: ((regelrecht)) + verb. He downright exploded. Er ist regelrecht explodiert.
Similar Words
Synonyms: förmlich (formal), geradezu (downright), wirklich (real)
Etymology
From 'Regel' (rule) + 'recht' (right, correct). It means 'correct according to the rule', used for emphasis.
Memory Tips
It's so 'right' (recht) it follows the 'rule' (Regel), making it 'proper' or 'downright'. It intensifies the word that follows.