An Encylopedia Britannica Company

right

1 right /ˈraɪt/ adjective
1 right
/ˈraɪt/
adjective
Britannica Dictionary definition of RIGHT
usually not used before a noun : morally or socially correct or acceptable
opposite wrong
: agreeing with the facts or truth : accurate or correct
opposite wrong
not used before a noun : speaking, acting, or judging in a way that agrees with the facts or truth
often + about
often followed by to + verb
opposite wrong
used in speech to ask if a statement is correct or to say that a statement is correct
used in speech to say you understand and accept what someone has said
used for emphasis at the beginning of a statement
used in speech to express disbelief
: suitable or appropriate for a particular purpose, situation, or person
opposite wrong; see also mr. right
: in a normal or healthy state or condition
not used before a noun : in a proper state or condition
always used before a noun
: located on the side of your body that is away from your heart
: done with your right hand
: located nearer to the right side of your body than to the left
opposite left
US used to refer to the side of something that is meant to be on top, in front, or on the outside
opposite wrong
always used before a noun, British, informal : complete or total used for emphasis

(as) right as rain

informal
: in excellent health or condition

get off on the right foot

see 1foot

give your right arm

see 1give

push the right buttons

see 1button
see also all right

— rightness

noun [noncount]
2 right /ˈraɪt/ adverb
2 right
/ˈraɪt/
adverb
Britannica Dictionary definition of RIGHT
: 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 : correctly opposite wrong
: in a suitable, proper, or desired way
opposite wrong
: all the way
: without delay : very soon or immediately
: toward the right
: towards the political right
US : using the right hand opposite left
: in a complete manner

play your cards right

see 1card

right and left

or British right, left, and centre
: in a very quick and uncontrolled way : in all directions

right away

also right off
: without delay or hesitation : immediately

right now

: in the next moment : immediately
: at the present time

serve someone right

see 1serve
3 right /ˈraɪt/ noun
plural rights
3 right
/ˈraɪt/
noun
plural rights
Britannica Dictionary definition of RIGHT
: behavior that is morally good or correct
[noncount]
[count]
opposite wrong
[count] : something that a person is or should be morally or legally allowed to have, get, or do
often followed by to + verb
often + of
see also bill of rights, birthright, bragging rights, civil rights, divine right, human right, women's rights
rights [plural] : the legal authority to reproduce, publish, broadcast, or sell something often + to
see also copyright
[noncount] : a location closer to the right side of your body than to the left : the right side often used with on
often used with to
[count] : a turn or movement toward the right
[count] : a punch made with the right hand
the Right : political groups who favor traditional attitudes and practices and conservative policies
the right : the position of people who support the beliefs and policies of the political Right
compare left; see also the far right at 2far

by right

: according to what is legally or morally correct

by rights

also by all rights
: according to what is proper and reasonable

dead to rights

US
or British bang to rights : with proof that you are guilty
sports : with no chance of winning or succeeding

in its own right

: because of its own special qualities and not because of a connection with something else

in the right

: in the position or situation of being right

in your own right

: because of your own efforts, talent, etc., and not because of your connection with someone else

might makes right

see 2might

of right

formal
: according to what is legally or morally correct

put/set (something) to rights

: to put (something) back into the normal or proper condition

two wrongs don't make a right

see 3wrong
4 right /ˈraɪt/ verb
rights; righted; righting
4 right
/ˈraɪt/
verb
rights; righted; righting
Britannica Dictionary definition of RIGHT
[+ object]
: 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