- an unaccented beat, especially immediately preceding a downbeat.
- the upward stroke with which a conductor indicates such a beat.
- optimistic; happy; cheerful: television dramas with predictably upbeat endings.
- music
- a usually unaccented beat, esp the last in a bar
- the upward gesture of a conductor's baton indicating this
- an upward trend (in prosperity, etc)
- marked by cheerfulness or optimism
