1 usually not used before a noun : morally or socially correct or acceptable
▪ Stealing is not right. ▪ 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. ▪ (chiefly Brit) “After I was treated so rudely, I complained to the management.” “And quite right, too!” [=complaining was the right thing to do] ▪ Since they helped him, it's only right that he should help them too. [=since they helped him, he should help them too] — opposite wrong 2 a : agreeing with the facts or truth : accurate or correct
▪ the right answer ▪ “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?! — opposite wrong
b not used before a noun : speaking, acting, or judging in a way that agrees with the facts or truth
▪ 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? ▪ We thought it was a bad idea, and time proved us right. — often + about ▪ He was right about her not having a job. ▪ “Relationships aren't easy.” “You're definitely right about that.” ▪ Let me put/set you right about one thing: I did not start this argument! — often followed by to + verb ▪ You're right to take things slowly with your new boyfriend. — opposite wrong
c — used in speech to ask if a statement is correct or to say that a statement is correct ▪ “You took the dog out for a walk, right?” “Yes, I did.” ▪ “We met her at the party.” “(That's) Right. Now I remember.” ▪ “I'll pay for the damages.” “(You're) Damn right you will!” [=(more politely) you certainly will] ▪ (Brit) “I'll pay for the damages.” “Too right you will.” ▪ (Brit) “Things are going from bad to worse.” “Too right, mate!”
d — used in speech to say you understand and accept what someone has said ▪ “It's getting late.” “Oh, right. I'll be ready in a minute.” ▪ “I'd like a coffee, please.” “Right.” = “Right you are.”
e — used for emphasis at the beginning of a statement ▪ Right. [=all right, OK] Let's get this over with.
f — used in speech to express disbelief ▪ “I'm actually quite famous.” “Right. And I'm the Pope.” “No, it's true.” “Yeah, right. I don't believe you.” 3 : suitable or appropriate for a particular purpose, situation, or person
▪ She is the right person for the job. ▪ They're not right for each other. ▪ You made the right decision. ▪ Let me show you the right way to do it. ▪ He kept practicing his technique until he got it right. ▪ Hold the bat like this—that's right! ▪ This apartment is just the right size. ▪ That picture would be just right [=perfect] for my living room. ▪ I need to find the right moment to ask him for the money. ▪ I don't have the right tools to do the job. ▪ I'll buy the car if the price is right. ▪ He knows all the right people to succeed in this business. ▪ Becoming a star is often a matter of being in the right place at the right time. ▪ He always knows the right thing to say. — opposite wrong; see also mr. right 4 a : in a normal or healthy state or condition
▪ I don't feel quite right. [=I feel somewhat ill] ▪ The fish you bought doesn't smell right. [=it doesn't smell the way it should] ▪ (informal) That boy is not right in the head. ▪ She is not in her right mind. [=she is mentally ill]
b not used before a noun : in a proper state or condition
▪ Things are not right between them. [=they do not have a good/happy relationship] ▪ He apologized and tried to put/set things right (with her). 5 always used before a noun a : located on the side of your body that is away from your heart
▪ He felt a pain in his right side. ▪ her right hand/leg
b : done with your right hand
▪ He hit him with a right hook to the jaw.
c : located nearer to the right side of your body than to the left
▪ on the right side of the street ▪ a chair's right arm ▪ taking a right turn — opposite left 6 US — used to refer to the side of something that is meant to be on top, in front, or on the outside ▪ The CD fell and landed right side up/down. ▪ He turned his socks right side out. — opposite wrong 7 always used before a noun, Brit, informal : complete or total — used for emphasis ▪ I felt a right fool after making that mistake! ▪ We were in a right mess!