kerzengerade
Translation
bolt upright, ramrod straight, straight as a pin
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
Composed of 'Kerze' (candle) and 'gerade' (straight). Literally means 'candle-straight'.
Memory Tips
Imagine someone sitting or standing as straight and stiff as a candle.