What does upturned mean?
Upturned describes something physically turned so that its face, opening, or point is directed upward, as in an upturned nose or a boat lying with its keel above the water. It can also describe something overturned, especially in literary or figurative contexts where an event has disrupted the expected order. The word is especially evocative when applied to a face, palm, or eyes because the upward-facing posture suggests openness, appeal, vulnerability, or supplication. As the past tense and past participle of “upturn,” it also appears in formal and literary descriptions of actions involving raising or overturning something. Upturned is not limited to one side of the Atlantic, although its figurative associations are most noticeable in literary English. It remains a precise, memorable alternative to saying that something “faces upward,” and it can convey a stronger physical orientation or emotional impression than the simpler phrase.
Turned so that the face, opening, or point is directed upward; sometimes, in literary use, overturned or disrupted.
"He recognized her immediately by the upturned nose and wide, questioning eyes."
The figurative senses are literary and often carry emotional associations such as vulnerability or supplication.
Turned upward or over; the past tense and past participle of upturn.
"The crew upturned the damaged boat and searched its hull."
The verb form is much less common than the adjective and is chiefly found in formal or literary prose.
The image is wonderfully literal: an upturned thing has been turned so that its face points toward the sky.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of upturned
Upturned is a transparent English compound formed from the directional element “up” and the verb “turn.” The second element belongs to the Germanic verb family represented in English by Old English turnian. The compound developed into both an adjective and a participial verb form, with the verb “upturn” covering the act of raising, turning over, or reversing something.
How upturned is actually used
Upturned is most common as an adjective and has a somewhat literary tone. Its figurative uses can suggest emotional openness, appeal, or vulnerability, especially when a person’s face, eyes, or hands are described as upturned. The verb forms are less frequent in modern everyday speech.
Easily confused with upturned
Upturned emphasizes an upward-facing position, whereas overturned emphasizes complete reversal, disruption, or the act of turning something over, though the terms can overlap.