right

adjective

\ ˈrīt

Definition of right

(Entry 1 of 4)

1 : righteous, upright

2 : being in accordance with what is just, good, or proper right conduct

3 : conforming to facts or truth : correct the right answer

4 : suitable, appropriate the right man for the job

5 : straight a right line

6 : genuine, real

7a : of, relating to, situated on, or being the side of the body which is away from the side on which the heart is mostly located

b : located nearer to the right hand than to the left

c : located to the right of an observer facing the object specified or directed as the right arm would point when raised out to the side

d(1) : located on the right of an observer facing in the same direction as the object specified stage right

(2) : located on the right when facing downstream the right bank of a river

e : done with the right hand a right hook to the jaw

8 : having the axis perpendicular to the base right cone

9 : of, relating to, or constituting the principal or more prominent side of an object made sure the socks were right side out

10 : acting or judging in accordance with truth or fact time proved her right

11a : being in good physical or mental health or order not in his right mind

b : being in a correct or proper state put things right

12 : most favorable or desired : preferable also : socially acceptable knew all the right people

13 often capitalized : of, adhering to, or constituted by the Right especially in politics

right

noun

Definition of right (Entry 2 of 4)

1 : qualities (such as adherence to duty or obedience to lawful authority) that together constitute the ideal of moral propriety or merit moral approval

2 : something to which one has a just claim: such as

a : the power or privilege to which one is justly entitled voting rights his right to decide

b(1) : the interest that one has in a piece of property —often used in plural mineral rights

(2) rights plural : the property interest possessed under law or custom and agreement in an intangible thing especially of a literary and artistic nature film rights of the novel

3 : something that one may properly claim as due knowing the truth is her right

4 : the cause of truth or justice

5a : right hand sense 1a also : a blow struck with this hand gave him a hard right on the jaw

b : the location or direction of the right side woods on his right

c : the part on the right side

d : right field

e : a turn to the right take a right at the stop sign

6a : the true account or correct interpretation

b : the quality or state of being factually correct

7 often capitalized

a : the part of a legislative chamber located to the right of the presiding officer

b : the members of a continental European legislative body occupying the right as a result of holding more conservative political views than other members

8a often capitalized : individuals professing support of the established order and favoring traditional attitudes and practices and conservative governmental policies

b often capitalized : a conservative position

9a : a privilege given stockholders to subscribe pro rata to a new issue of securities generally below market price

b : the negotiable certificate evidencing such privilege —usually used in plural

by rights or less commonly by all rights

: with reason or justice : properly

in one's own right

: by virtue of one's own qualifications or properties

of right

1 : as an absolute right

2 : legally or morally exactable

to rights

: into proper order

right

adverb

Definition of right (Entry 3 of 4)

1 : according to right live right

2 : in the exact location, position, or moment : precisely right at his fingertips quit right then and there

3 : in a suitable, proper, or desired manner knew he wasn't doing it right

4 : in a direct line, course, or manner : directly, straight go right home came right out and said it

5 : according to fact or truth : truly guessed right

6a : all the way windows right to the floor

b : in a complete manner felt right at home

7 : without delay : immediately right after lunch

8 : to a great degree : very a right pleasant day

9 : on or to the right looked left and right

right

verb

righted; righting; rights

Definition of right (Entry 4 of 4)

transitive verb

1a : to do justice to : redress the injuries of so just is God to right the innocent— William Shakespeare

b : justify, vindicate felt the need to right himself in court

2 : avenge vows to right the injustice done to his family

3a : to adjust or restore to the proper state or condition right the economy

b : to bring or restore to an upright position right a capsized boat

intransitive verb

: to become upright

Other Words from right Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about right

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Other Words from right

Adjective

rightness noun

Noun

rightmost \ ˈrīt-ˌmōst

\ adjective

Verb

righter noun

Choose the Right Synonym for right

Adjective

correct, accurate, exact, precise, nice, right mean conforming to fact, standard, or truth. correct usually implies freedom from fault or error. correct answers socially correct dress accurate implies fidelity to fact or truth attained by exercise of care. an accurate description exact stresses a very strict agreement with fact, standard, or truth. exact measurements precise adds to exact an emphasis on sharpness of definition or delimitation. precise calibration nice stresses great precision and delicacy of adjustment or discrimination. makes nice distinctions right is close to correct but has a stronger positive emphasis on conformity to fact or truth rather than mere absence of error or fault. the right thing to do

Examples of right in a Sentence

Adjective

You can't treat me like this! It's not right! You were right to tell the teacher about the girl who you saw cheating. Telling the teacher was the right thing to do. “Is that clock right? Is it noon already?” “Yes. That's right.” There's something not quite right about his story. Their theory was proved right. Let me get this right—you want me to lend you $1,000?! You're right; the answer is six. I bet you like baseball. Am I right? Am I right in thinking that he should have never loaned her the money?

Noun

We discussed the rights and wrongs of genetic cloning. women fighting for equal rights Knowing the truth is her right.

Adverb

The keys are right where I said they would be. “Where are my keys?” “They're right here.” The bank is right next to the pharmacy. The parking lot is right in front of the building. He left his bags right in the middle of the floor. She was waiting right outside the door. The ball hit me right in the face. We arrived right at noon. You are right on time. When the boss yelled at him, he quit right then and there.

Verb

It was time to right an old wrong. No one can right all the wrongs in the world. The government needs to do something to right the economy. They righted the capsized boat. He quickly righted himself after he fell off the chair.

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

His hits came on a 105 mph ground ball up the middle, a 99.1 mph double to left field and a 96.1 mph grounder to the right side on a pitch that jammed him. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Padres notes: Extending leadership to umpire interaction; Reyes’ pain in neck; Myers rips," 15 June 2019 An autopsy found Keel had been shot three times — in his left calf, the right side of his chest and the back of his head. — Zak Koeske, Daily Southtown, "Son of Harvey cop shot security guards, patron before being killed, sheriff's investigation finds," 14 June 2019 The researchers were trying to increase activity in the right side and reduce activity in the left. — The Economist, "Zapping the brain improves creativity," 14 June 2019 Descending the right side of the tenth fairway, while following the practice round of a Mexican amateur named Álvaro Ortiz, a large older man went heels up and splashed down in the mud. — Nick Paumgarten, The New Yorker, "Inside the Cultish Dreamworld of Augusta National," 14 June 2019 Her twin sister, Maddie, is a recruitable right side with a few offers. — Ted Dunnam, Houston Chronicle, "Volleyball: Dawson Lady Eagles should fly high again this fall," 14 June 2019 Devin Cochran will slide over to left tackle after starting 23 games on the right side the past two seasons. — Edgar Thompson, orlandosentinel.com, "2019 College Football Rankings: No. 71 Vanderbilt looks to keep pace in improving SEC East," 14 June 2019 The period detail stays on the right side of showy, but most important, people here inhabit spaces appropriate to their class and character. — Robert Lloyd, latimes.com, "Review: Cop drama 'City On A Hill' finds Ben Affleck and Matt Damon's Boston is no beacon," 14 June 2019 Kelly O'Hara played a perfect ball over the top of the defenders from the right side of the penalty area and Morgan headed it past the Thai keeper effortlessly. — Thom Craver, CBS News, "U.S. breaks records in opening Women's World Cup game, dominates Thailand 13-0," 12 June 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Launched in mid-2008 as a way to produce more content for the iPhone, the App Store has become a sizable business in its own right. — Dan Gallagher, WSJ, "Apple Needs Its Hometown Crowd," 31 May 2019 Another revelation came when Newberg and Ireland were searching for the right architect to help realize this dream. — David M. Murphy, ELLE Decor, "Inside a Minimalist California Home That's Pared to Perfection," 30 May 2019 Michele sent several pieces down the runway that spoke out against those trying to restrict women's reproductive rights. — Marina Liao, Marie Claire, "Gucci's Cruise 2020 Collection Boldly Supported Women's Reproductive Rights," 29 May 2019 All of the pieces coincide with Gucci's Chime for Change campaign, a non-profit organization advocating for gender equality and women's reproductive rights around the world. — Lauren Alexis Fisher, Harper's BAZAAR, "Gucci Advocates for Women's Abortion Rights on Cruise 2020 Runway," 29 May 2019 That’s played into questions about how much US market access to give Chinese companies amid concerns about intellectual property rights. — Emily Stewart, Vox, "The US government’s ongoing battle with Chinese telecom giant Huawei, explained," 17 May 2019 Beccaria began designing the dress in earnest right after the holidays. — Alexandra Macon, Vogue, "Lady Gabriella Windsor Wears a Luisa Beccaria Dress with a Touch of Blush to Her Royal Wedding," 18 May 2019 These rights would have at least two key components. — Glamour, "Elizabeth Warren Responds to Abortion Restrictions With Comprehensive Plan to Protect Choice," 17 May 2019 When displayed with another flag cross-staff, place the American flag above the other on the flag's own right, which is the observer's left. — Maggie Maloney, Town & Country, "Everything You Need to Know About American Flag Etiquette," 15 May 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Adverb

The complications over the custody of the children was a source of great anguish to Hutchence right up to the time of his death. — Vogue, "A New Documentary on INXS Frontman Michael Hutchence Takes a Writer Down Memory Lane," 24 Apr. 2019 That lasted right up until the end of Mars' more wet era, which ended around a billion years ago. — John Wenz, Popular Mechanics, "Rivers Flowed Forth on Mars Until 1 Billion Years Ago," 27 Mar. 2019 The action picks right back up with Colton knocking on Cassie's door and asking to talk. — Anna Moeslein, Glamour, "The Bachelor Season 23 Finale Recap: Cassie Makes Her Final Decision," 13 Mar. 2019 Eric's car of the year also wore an Alfa badge, so the company is evidently doing something right over there. — Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, "The 2018 Cars Technica cars and SUVs of the year," 30 Dec. 2018 Whether your décor is rustic or mid-century modern, this minimalistic black fixture will fit right in. — Brigitt Earley, Good Housekeeping, "18 Pieces from Walmart’s New MoDRN Collection That’ll Upgrade Every Room in Your Home," 20 May 2019 That's because one such collision happened right in our own backyard a long time ago. — Avery Thompson, Popular Mechanics, "Two Neutron Stars Exploded in Our Cosmic Backyard Billions of Years Ago," 3 May 2019 These digital compact cameras are all great options for getting sharp photos and video right from your pocket. — Paige Szmodis, Popular Mechanics, "The 10 Best Compact Digital Cameras for Capturing Your Adventures," 17 Apr. 2019 With a new console generation right around the corner, the bigger question is what this All-Digital Edition indicates for the next Xbox. — Hayden Dingman, PCWorld, "Microsoft's Xbox One S All-Digital Edition finally joins PC gamers in the disc-less future," 17 Apr. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

But as the directory expanded from the initial 25 designers to more than 140, the proportion of women to men sadly never righted itself—until now. — Ingrid Abramovitch, ELLE Decor, "The Women on This Year's ELLE Decor A-List Outnumber the Men," 22 May 2019 Since taking over from Kalanick, new CEO Dara Khosrowshahi has tried to right the ship. — Cyrus Farivar, Ars Technica, "Uber ends mandatory arbitration in sexual assault, harassment cases," 15 May 2018 The one that came just days later cinched a romance that righted wrongs flagrant enough to captivate a nation. — Tammy La Gorce, New York Times, "After Scandal and Divorce, Jenny Sanford Learns She Can Love Again," 6 Apr. 2018 In the wheelhouse, Huynh tried to right the ship, but seawater was already sloshing against the cabin's windows. — CBS News, "Deck hand saved lives as fishing boat sank; captain's role under investigation," 6 Apr. 2018 Four years later, the Times has restructured to focus on its digital footprint and righted itself financially. — Mike Rogoway, OregonLive.com, "A.G. Sulzberger, New York Times' publisher and former Oregonian reporter, talks journalism in the digital age," 9 Feb. 2018 The awful things that had gone wrong in their families could be righted, fixed, altered with a basketball, a football, a baseball. — David M. Shribman, WSJ, "‘Tigerland’ Review: Playing the Game Their Way," 18 Jan. 2019 Shoots right him into the water and onto a nearby boat. — Fox News, "Scaramucci, Kirk sound off on Brennan, Cuomo," 18 Aug. 2018 Will the defending World Cup champions follow Brazil's lead in righting the ship after a rough start, or will Germany succumb to pressure and join Argentina in needing help? — Editors, USA TODAY, "Saudi women drivers, Tennessee Pride, World Cup and 5 things to know this weekend," 23 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'right.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of right

Adjective

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

History and Etymology for right

Adjective

Middle English, from Old English riht; akin to Old High German reht right, Latin rectus straight, right, regere to lead straight, direct, rule, rogare to ask, Greek oregein to stretch out

Noun

Middle English, from Old English riht, from riht, adjective

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Dictionary Entries near right

Statistics for right

Last Updated

18 Jun 2019

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for right

The first known use of right was before the 12th century

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More Definitions for right

right

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of right

(Entry 1 of 4)

: morally or socially correct or acceptable

: agreeing with the facts or truth : accurate or correct

: speaking, acting, or judging in a way that agrees with the facts or truth

right

noun

English Language Learners Definition of right (Entry 2 of 4)

: behavior that is morally good or correct

: something that a person is or should be morally or legally allowed to have, get, or do

: the legal authority to reproduce, publish, broadcast, or sell something

right

adverb

English Language Learners Definition of right (Entry 3 of 4)

: in the exact location, position, or moment that is mentioned

: in a direct course or manner

: in a way that agrees with the facts or truth

right

verb

English Language Learners Definition of right (Entry 4 of 4)

: to make (something) right : to correct (something wrong or unjust)

: to return (something) to a proper state or condition

: to put (something or someone) back in an upright position

See the full definition for right in the English Language Learners Dictionary

right

adjective

\ ˈrīt

Kids Definition of right

(Entry 1 of 4)

1 : following or in accordance with what is just, good, or proper It's not right to lie.

2 : accurate, correct That's the right answer.

3 : suitable, appropriate He's the right person for the job.

4 : located on the side of the body away from the heart the right arm

5 : located nearer to the right side of the body than to the left the chair's right arm

6 : being or meant to be the side on top, in front, or on the outside The box landed right side up. Turn the socks right side out.

7 : in a normal or healthy state or condition I don't feel right today. That milk doesn't smell right.

8 : straight entry 1 sense 1 a right line

right

noun

Kids Definition of right (Entry 2 of 4)

1 : the ideal of what is just, good, or proper He hasn't learned right from wrong.

2 : something to which a person has a just claim the right to vote He has a right to be angry.

3 : the cause of truth or justice They fought for right.

4 : the right side : a part or location that is on or toward the right side My house is on the right.

right

adverb

Kids Definition of right (Entry 3 of 4)

1 : according to what is just, good, or proper She lives right.

2 : in the exact location, position, or moment : precisely It's right where you left it.

3 : in a direct line or course : straight Come right home.

4 : according to truth or fact You guessed right.

5 : in a suitable, proper, or desired way You're not doing it right.

6 : all the way We stayed right to the end of the game.

7 : without delay : immediately Let's go right after lunch.

8 : on or to the right turn right

9 : in a complete way He felt right at home here.

right away

: without delay : immediately The movie started playing right away.— R.J. Palacio, Wonder

right

verb

righted; righting

Kids Definition of right (Entry 4 of 4)

1 : to make better or more just If only we could right the world's wrongs.

2 : to adjust or restore to a proper state or condition

3 : to bring or bring back to an upright position I righted the books.

4 : to become upright The ship slowly righted again.

right

adjective

\ ˈrīt

Medical Definition of right

: of, relating to, or being the side of the body which is away from the heart and on which the hand is stronger in most people her right foot also : located nearer to this side than to the left

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right

noun

\ ˈrīt\

Legal Definition of right

1a : qualities (as adherence to duty or obedience to lawful authority) that together constitute the ideal of moral propriety or merit moral approval

b : something that is morally just able to distinguish right from wrong

2 : something to which one has a just claim: as

a : a power, privilege, or condition of existence to which one has a natural claim of enjoyment or possession the right of liberty that all men…are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights — Declaration of Independence — see also natural right

b : a power, privilege, immunity, or capacity the enjoyment of which is secured to a person by law one's constitutional rights

c : a legally enforceable claim against another that the other will do or will not do a given act the defendant may be under a legal duty…to exercise reasonable care for the plaintiff's safety, so that the plaintiff has a corresponding legal right to insist on that care— W. L. Prosser and W. P. Keeton

d : the interest that one has in property : a claim or title to property —often used in pl. leasing mineral rights — see also real right

e plural : the interest in property possessed (as under copyright law) in an intangible thing and especially an item of intellectual property obtained publishing rights

3 : a privilege given stockholders to subscribe pro rata to a new issue of securities generally below market price

of right

1 : as an absolute right

2 : demandable or enforceable under the law an appeal of right

Other Words from right

rightful \ -fəl

\ adjective

rightfully \ -fə-lē

\ adverb