Right: meaning, definitions and examples

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right

 

[ raɪt ]

Adjective / Noun
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Adjective

direction

morally good, justified, or acceptable; true or correct as a fact

Synonyms

accurate, correct, just, proper.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
right

Refers to a direction or proper alignment.

  • Turn right at the corner
  • Align the picture to the right
correct

Useful for confirming facts and solutions or indicating moral correctness.

  • Your answer is correct
  • She gave the correct response to the question
accurate

Best when talking about precision or exactness, often in data or measurements.

  • This map is very accurate
  • We need accurate information to make a decision
proper

Suitable for situations where appropriateness or conventional standards are in focus.

  • Drink tea in a proper manner
  • Wearing a suit to the wedding was proper
just

Generally used to describe fairness or moral rightness, with a tone of justice.

  • The decision was just
  • He is a just leader

Examples of usage

  • You made the right decision.
  • She is always right in her assessments.
  • It's not right to treat people that way.
Context #2 | Noun

legal

a moral or legal entitlement to have or obtain something or to act in a certain way

Synonyms

authority, entitlement, privilege.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
right

Used to denote a moral or legal entitlement to have or do something.

  • Human rights are universal and inalienable
  • Students have the right to access education
entitlement

Appropriate for discussing a guaranteed right or privilege, often used in a legal or formal context. Sometimes has negative connotations when implying an undue or unearned sense of privilege.

  • She felt a sense of entitlement to the family inheritance
  • Employees are entitled to certain benefits under the law
privilege

Best used to denote a special benefit or advantage available to a certain group of people. Can imply something granted rather than inherently deserved.

  • Access to the VIP lounge is a privilege
  • It's a privilege to work with such talented colleagues
authority

Used when talking about power or control, especially in contexts where someone enforces rules or laws.

  • The police have the authority to arrest criminals
  • The manager has the authority to make decisions regarding hiring

Examples of usage

  • He had the right to remain silent.
  • Everyone has the right to freedom of speech.

Translations

Translations of the word "right" in other languages:

🇵🇹 direito

🇮🇳 दायाँ

🇩🇪 rechts

🇮🇩 kanan

🇺🇦 право

🇵🇱 prawo

🇯🇵 

🇫🇷 droit

🇪🇸 derecho

🇹🇷 sağ

🇰🇷 오른쪽

🇸🇦 يمين

🇨🇿 pravý

🇸🇰 pravý

🇨🇳 

🇸🇮 desni

🇮🇸 hægri

🇰🇿 оң

🇬🇪 მარჯვენა

🇦🇿 sağ

🇲🇽 derecho

Etymology

The word 'right' has a long history, stemming from Old English 'riht', meaning 'just, good, fair, proper, fitting'. It has evolved over time to encompass meanings related to correctness, entitlement, and direction. In legal contexts, 'right' often refers to a claim or entitlement recognized by law. Throughout history, the concept of rights has been central to philosophical and political debates, shaping societies and legal systems.

See also: outright, righteous, righteously, rightful, rightfulness, rightly, rightness, rights, rightsizing.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #103, this word is extremely common in English. It's a crucial part of basic vocabulary that's used constantly in both spoken and written communication, making it essential for even basic conversations.