WordGarden.ioright
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /rˈaɪt/
US
- /ˈraɪt/
Meanings
Adjective
correct, true, or suitable for the situation
on or toward the side opposite left
morally fair, good, or justified
More meaningsFewer meanings
politically conservative or right-wing
Noun
a legal or moral entitlement or freedom
the right side or direction
the people, parties, or ideas on the political right
Adverb
exactly, completely, or immediately
to or toward the right side
Interjection
used to show agreement, confirmation, or readiness to continue
Beyond the definition
The word "right" is surprisingly versatile! It can mean something is factually correct ("That's the right answer!"), morally good ("Doing what's right is important"), or a legal entitlement ("You have the right to remain silent"). It can also point to a direction, as when you turn right at the corner, or add a sense of exactness or immediacy, as in "right here" or "right now." Think of it as a word that can talk about truth, good choices, freedom, place, and time.
The word "right" shifts its meaning depending on how it's used. At its core, it signifies correctness or conformity to fact, rule, or truth. If you solve a puzzle correctly, you have the right answer. In mathematics, a right angle measures exactly ninety degrees.
But "right" extends far beyond simple accuracy; it also carries strong moral weight. To do what is right means acting in accordance with principles of justice, fairness, and goodness. We often talk about a person doing the "right thing," implying an ethical compass is guiding their actions. Perhaps most powerfully, "right" denotes a legal or moral entitlement—something you are justly allowed to have or do. Documented freedoms, like those in a "Bill of Rights," are inherent protections that everyone is entitled to. You might also say someone has the "right" to an opinion, even if you disagree with it.
Interestingly, "right" also indicates direction. Turning right means moving towards the side opposite your left. This directional sense likely stems from the historical idea of the right hand being the "correct" or stronger hand. Additionally, we use the word to show immediacy or precision, such as being "right here" or leaving "right now." Whether you're checking your work, striving for ethical behavior, asserting a freedom, or navigating a city street, the word "right" is about correctness, morality, entitlement, and direction all rolled into one powerful little word.
Examples
- 1
Correct address
I think this is the right address.
- 2
Correct information
You're right about the meeting time.
- Patternbe right about + topic
be correct about it
- 3
Suitable size
Is this the right size for you?
- 4
Directions
Turn right at the next corner.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Exact location
The pharmacy is right across the street.
- Patternright + place expression
exactly in that position
- 6
Immediate time
I need an answer right now.
- Phraseright now
immediately
- 7
Page position
Put your signature in the bottom right corner.
- 8
Justified action
She was right to ask for more time.
- Patternbe right to do something
be correct or justified in doing it
- 9
Moral choice
You did the right thing by telling him the truth.
- 10
Appearance
This sofa would look right in the living room.
- Phraselook right
seem suitable or natural
- 11
Conversational transition
Right, let's see what we need first.
- UsageRight, ...
used to start speaking or move to the next step
See also
Forms and spellings
6 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- rightnounverbadjectiveadverb
Forms
- rightspluralnounverbadjective
- righting-ing formverbnounadjective
- rightedpast tenseverbnounadjective
- rightercomparativeadjectiveverbnoun
- rightestsuperlativeadjectiveverbnoun