right
right Lexical Profile
right Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
True or correct as a fact; free from error.
"She was the only student in the class to give the right answer to the riddle."
On, toward, or relating to the side of a human body or of a thing that is to the east when a person or thing is facing north.
"Most people in the world write with their right hand."
Morally good, justified, or acceptable.
"Speaking up to defend the unfairly accused colleague was the right thing to do."
Most suitable, favorable, or opportune for a particular purpose or situation.
"We are waiting for the right moment to announce the company's expansion."
• adverb
To the furthest or most complete extent or degree; directly or exactly.
"The delivery driver left the heavy package right in the middle of the hallway."
On or toward the right side.
"Turn right at the traffic light and continue for two blocks."
Without delay; immediately.
"Please wait in the lobby and the doctor will be with you right away."
In a correct, proper, or satisfactory manner.
"If I remember right, the museum closes early on Sundays."
• noun
A moral or legal entitlement to have or obtain something or to act in a certain way.
"Every citizen has the constitutional right to vote in free and fair elections."
The right-hand part, side, or direction.
"Take the first turn on the right after crossing the bridge."
That which is morally correct, just, or honorable.
"Children learn at an early age to distinguish between right and wrong."
A political group, party, or faction favoring conservative, traditional, or free-market views.
"The tax reform bill was strongly supported by politicians on the right."
• interjection
Used to indicate agreement, acknowledgment, or understanding, or to attract attention before changing the subject.
"Right, let us review the agenda for tomorrow's conference."
• verb
To restore to a desirable, proper, or moral state; to redress or rectify an injustice or mistake.
"The new legislation was passed to right the historical wrongs suffered by the community."
To restore to a normal or upright position.
"The experienced sailors quickly righted the capsized dinghy."
Word Nuance & Usage
Often confused in writing with its homophones 'write' (to mark letters or words on a surface), 'rite' (a religious or solemn ceremony), and 'wright' (a maker or builder, as in 'playwright').
• Rhymes for right
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English riht ('just, good, fair, proper, straight'), from Proto-Germanic *rehtaz, ultimately derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *reg- ('to move in a straight line, lead, or rule'), which also gave rise to Latin rectus and English 'regular' and 'direct'.