right
noun
Definitions of right noun
direction
- A2Singular
The side that is located to the east when a person is facing north.
The English language is written and read from the left side to the right.
King's Avenue is the first street on the right-hand side.
In this photograph, my wife is positioned to the right of me.
morality
- B2Uncountable
The concept of what is considered morally acceptable or good.
Your conscience should guide you to distinguish between what is right and wrong.
Within the framework of morality, we need to know what is right and wrong.
Doing the right thing is not always easy.
claim
- B2CountableUncountable
A justified claim to have, obtain, or do something.
She was involved in movements advocating for women's rights in the 1960s.
Each individual is entitled to the right to education.
She doesn't possess a greater entitlement to a company car than I do.
Phrases of right noun
- in the right
To be in the right means to be morally or legally justified in one's actions or beliefs.
• I am certain that I am in the right in this dispute.
- within your rights
If someone is within their rights, they are acting in a way that is legally or morally permissible.
• I believe I am completely within my rights to ask for a full refund.
- rights
The legal authority to control who can utilize a book or film.
• She has purchased the adaptation rights for this novel.
- put/set something to rights
To correct or improve a situation or something that is wrong or not working correctly.
• The company requires over a million dollars to put its finances to rights.
verb
Definitions of right verb
- Transitiveformal
To correct or improve a situation or mistake.
The situation is dire, and we must rectify it as quickly as possible.
This error needs to be righted promptly.
They will endeavor to right the wrongs of the past.
- Transitive
To return a boat to an upright position after it has overturned.
The canoe will right itself if it tips over.
The large wave caused the boat to capsize, but it quickly righted itself.
They worked to right the capsized vessel.
adjective
Definitions of right adjective
accuracy
- A1
Accurate or factual; in accordance with the truth or facts.
You answered three questions correctly and two incorrectly.
I adjusted the clock to the precise time.
"Are you Ms. Kramer?" "Yes, that is correct."
- A1
Accurate in judgment or assessment about a thing or person.
You were correct in your assessment of Pete – he is indeed a troublemaker.
You were right about that issue, I was wrong.
You were right about the weather forecast.
suitability
- B1
Appropriate or suitable; as it should be.
He is an appropriate candidate for this job.
I believe that you have made an appropriate decision.
The temperature of the pool was perfectly suitable.
importance
Socially important; frequented by important people.
She knows all the influential people.
He likes to be seen in exclusive clubs and restaurants.
This event attracted many of the right people.
morality
- B2After verb
Considered fair or morally acceptable by most people.
I disagree with their decision to imprison him; it is unjust.
Speaking negatively of others behind their backs is not morally right.
It is only fair that men and women should receive equal pay for the same work.
health
In a healthy or normal state.
I haven’t felt well since I consumed that meal last night.
There seems to be an issue with your bike's brakes.
I didn't sleep well last night, so I don't feel quite right today.
completeness
- Before nouninformal
Used to emphasize that something is very bad.
He’s a complete idiot.
His house is a total mess.
This is a real disaster.
direction
- A2
Located on or towards the side of your body that is to the east when you are facing north.
The majority of people use their right hand for writing.
He prefers to sleep on the right side of the bed.
Please turn to your right.
Phrases of right adjective
- the right way round/up
In the correct orientation or position; not upside down or reversed.
• You need to put the batteries in the right way round or the flashlight won't work.
adverb
Definitions of right adverb
direction
- A2
Located on or towards the side of your body that is to the east when you are facing north.
The majority of people use their right hand for writing.
He prefers to sleep on the right side of the bed.
Please turn to your right.
precision
- B1
Exactly or all the way.
I have a pimple directly on the tip of my nose.
They constructed a series of hotels directly along the sea front.
That car parked right behind mine.
emphasis
Used for emphasis.
The car completely ran out of fuel.
She passed directly by me without noticing my presence.
I'll be back immediately.
title
Used as part of the title of particular people, such as bishops and some members of Parliament.
The Right Honourable Diane Abbott, MP
The Right Reverend Bishop will lead the ceremony.
accuracy
- B2
Correctly.
Why does he never manage to do anything correctly?
He always seems to get things right.
Please double check that you enter the password right.
Phrases of right adverb
- go right
To proceed successfully or as planned; to turn out as hoped or expected.
• If everything goes right, we should be able to finish the job next week.
- right now
at this precise moment; immediately.
• I'm currently occupied with some urgent matters right now.
- right away
Without any delay; at once.
• I will call them right away, because if I wait, I will likely forget to do it.
exclamation
Definitions of right exclamation
agreement
- A2
Used to express agreement or understanding.
"Johnny, you go up first." "Right."
"Shall we meet tomorrow morning?" "Right."
"This should go here." "Right."
Used in storytelling to ensure attention or understanding.
"So there I was, right, middle of the night, right, and this guy came up to me…"
"I got to my front door, and then, right, I realized I left my keys at the office."
"Then, he came over, right, and asked if I needed help."
attention
- A2
Used to get attention to begin an activity.
Okay, everyone. Please stop talking, we're about to begin.
Right, let's get started!
Right, let's get this room tidied up.
Idioms
- too right
Used to express complete agreement with a statement.
• "This plan is definitely the best way to solve the problem." "Too right."
- by right of
by virtue of a right or qualification.
• He can decide the training time by right of his position as captain.
- in your own right
Achieved or possessing a certain status or position through one's own efforts, abilities, or qualifications, rather than through someone else.
• She isn't rich because of inheritance; she became a millionaire through her own business, that's truly being successful in her own right.
- give your right arm
To be willing to make a significant sacrifice or pay a high price in order to obtain something or achieve a goal.
• He would give his right arm to participate in the Olympics.
- in the right place at the right time
Being in the most favorable position or location at the opportune moment to capitalize on an opening.
• She always seems to be in the right place at the right time, which is the secret to her success.
- by rights
according to what is just, fair, or proper
• By rights, the most experienced employee should do this job.
- be not (quite) right in the head
To have impaired mental faculties or to behave in a manner that is not considered normal.
• He's been talking to himself lately; I think he's not quite right in the head.
- right, left, and centre
at all times or in all places; everywhere.
• This new product is selling well right, left, and centre in all the stores.
- a right one
A person or thing that is extremely annoying or silly.
• He's a right one for believing such a lie.
- press/push the right button(s)
To take the actions necessary to achieve a desired outcome, often by understanding what motivates or influences a person or situation.
• To convince the boss to support this project, you have to know how to press the right buttons.
- be (as) right as rain
To be completely recovered and in good health, especially after an illness.
• The doctor said I'll be right as rain after a few days of rest.
- be not in your right mind
Experiencing a state of mental instability or impaired cognitive function.
• His recent behavior is very strange; I think he must not be in his right mind.
- be on the right lines
To be proceeding in a way that is likely to be successful or correct.
• The strategy we're considering seems to be on the right lines; it might actually work out in the end.
- be on the right track
To be proceeding in a way that is likely to lead to a successful outcome or desired result.
• The research team believes they are on the right track and will have a breakthrough soon.
- put/set someone right
To correct someone's mistaken belief or understanding by informing them of the truth.
• He thought this investment was a sure win, but I quickly put him right about the reality.
- the right stuff
The essential qualities or abilities needed to succeed in a challenging endeavor or role.
• This project requires someone with the right stuff to complete it.
- right behind someone
To be right behind someone means to give them your complete and unwavering support.
• My team has been right behind me throughout the entire project.
- the rights and wrongs
The details of what is fair and unfair in a particular situation; the specifics of who is right and who is wrong.
• In this situation, I really don't care about the rights and wrongs; I just want to see the matter resolved quickly.
- right you are!
An expression used to indicate understanding and agreement with what someone has said.
• "What do you think about this idea?" "Right you are, I agree."