right
suitable or correct, or as it should be
He's the right person for the job.
Oxford Essential Dictionary
adjective
pronunciation
The word right sounds like quite.
1 good; fair or what the law allows:
It's not right to leave young children alone in the house.
2 correct or true:
That's not the right answer.
'Are you Mr Johnson?' 'Yes, that's right.'
3 best:
Is she the right person for the job?
opposite wrong
4 on or of the side of the body that faces east when a person faces north:
Most people write with their right hand.
opposite left
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
right
I. right1 S1 W1 /raɪt/ BrE AmE adjective
[Word Family: adverb: ↑right, ↑rightly, ↑rightfully, righeously, righteousness; noun: ↑right, ↑rightness, rights, ↑righteousness; adjective: ↑right, ↑righteous, ↑rightful; verb: ↑right]
[Language: Old English; Origin: riht]
1. TRUE/CORRECT
a) a statement or piece of information that is right is correct and based on true facts SYN correct OPP wrong:
Yes, that’s the right answer.
Is that the right time?
I got most of the questions right.
His ideas have now been proved right.
b) [not before noun] if you are right, you have said something that is correct and based on true facts OPP wrong:
I think you’re right. We should have set out earlier.
right about
You were right about the hotel being too crowded.
I think the Prime Minister is only half right.
Am I right in thinking that you two have met before?
2. SUITABLE the right thing, person, method etc is the one that is most suitable or effective OPP wrong:
I think you’ve made the right decision.
I think she’s definitely the right person for the job.
right for
A huge development like this isn’t right for such a small village.
3. SIDE [only before noun]
a) your right side is the side with the hand that most people write with OPP left:
He had a knife in his right hand.
a scar on the right side of her face
b) on the same side of something as your right side OPP left:
Take the next right turn.
the right bank of the river
4. PROBLEMS something that is not right is not in the state it should be in:
The engine’s not quite right.
This cheese doesn’t smell right.
Things haven’t been right between me and James for some time.
put/set something right (=correct something)
It didn’t take long to find the fault and put it right.
5. MORALLY if someone is right to do something, their action is morally correct or sensible OPP wrong
right to do something
Do you think I was right to report them to the police?
It can’t be right to keep lying to your family.
it is right that
I think it’s right that the people who work hardest should earn the most.
It’s only right (=completely right) that he should get his share of the money.
The company wants to do the right thing and offer compensation to all the injured workers.
6. that’s right spoken
a) used to agree with what someone says or to answer ‘yes’ to a question:
‘I gather you work in the sales department?’ ‘That’s right.’
‘Some people find it very difficult to work quickly.’ ‘That’s right, and they often find exams very stressful.’
b) used when you are telling someone that you are angry about what they are doing:
That’s right! Just blame me for everything, as usual!
7. right you are British English spoken used to say ‘yes’ to a request, order, or suggestion
8. EMPHASIS [only before noun] British English spoken used to emphasize how bad someone or something is SYN total, complete:
He sounds like a right idiot!
The house was in a right mess when we got back.
9. HEALTH spoken if you are not feeling right, you are not feeling completely well:
I haven’t been feeling right all day.
A few days in bed will soon put you right.
You’ll soon be as right as rain (=completely healthy). ⇨ put somebody right/straight at ↑put(9)
10. SOCIALLY the right people, places, schools etc are considered to be the best or most important:
Sonia’s always careful to be seen with the right people.
11. be in the right place at the right time to be in the place where something useful becomes available or is being offered:
Being a news photographer is all about being in the right place at the right time.
—rightness noun [uncountable]:
He was convinced of the rightness of his cause.
⇨ put something right at ↑put(8)
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ adverbs
▪ quite right (=completely right) You were quite right – we should never have gone with them.
▪ absolutely right You’re absolutely right.
▪ exactly right My figures may not be exactly right.
▪ dead right informal (=completely correct, used for emphasis) You were dead right not to trust him.
▪ half/partly right (=correct to some degree, but not completely) That theory may still be partly right.
■ verbs
▪ get something right For once, he got my name right.
▪ be proved right We warned that it would not work, and we have been proved right.
▪ be right in saying/thinking etc I think I’m right in saying they once employed 2000 people.
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ right not wrong – used about something someone says, or about the person who says it: the right answer | You were right about the colour. | ‘He’s about thirty, isn’t he?’ ‘That’s right.’
▪ correct right. Correct sounds more formal than right: the correct answer | He is absolutely correct. | Unfortunately, this information is not correct.
▪ accurate right – used about information, measurements, descriptions etc: Make sure that your measurements are accurate. | an accurate description of the suspect
▪ exact an exact number, amount, or time is completely correct, and is no more and no less than it should be: The exact time is 9.28 a.m. | The exact weight of the baby was 3.3 kilos.
▪ spot-on British English spoken informal exactly right – used especially about guesses or things people say: His answer was spot-on. | You’re spot-on.
Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary
right
right [right rights righted righting] adjective, adverb, noun, verb, exclamation [raɪt] [raɪt]
adjective
MORALLY GOOD
1. not usually before noun ~ (to do sth) morally good or acceptable; correct according to law or a person's duty
• You were quite right to criticize him.
• Is it ever right to kill?
• It seems only right to warn you of the risk.
• I hope we're doing the right thing.
Opp: wrong
TRUE/CORRECT
2. true or correct as a fact
• Did you get the answer right?
• ‘What's the right time?’ ‘10.37.’
• ‘David, isn't it?’ ‘Yes, that's right.’
• (informal) It was Monday you went to see Angie, right?
• Let me get this right (= understand correctly) — you want us to do an extra ten hours' work for no extra pay?
Opp: wrong
3. correct for a particular situation or thing, or for a particular person
• Have you got the right money (= the exact amount) for the bus fare?
• Is this the right way to the beach?
• You're not holding it the right way up.
• Are you sure you've got that on the right way round?
• Next time we'll get it right.
• He's the right man for the job.
• I'm glad you split up. She wasn't right for you.
• I was waiting for the right moment to ask him.
• She knows all the right people (= important people, for example those who can help her career).
• His success was down to being in the right place at the right time (= being able to take opportunities when they came).
Opp: wrong
4. not before noun correct in your opinion or judgement
• ~ (about sth) She was right about Tom having no money.
• ~ (to do sth) You're right to be cautious.
• ‘It's not easy.’ ‘Yeah, you're right.’
• ~ (in doing sth) Am I right in thinking we've met before?
Opp: wrong
NORMAL
5. not before noun in a normal or good enough condition
• I don't feel quite right today (= I feel ill/sick).
• That sausage doesn't smell right.
• Things aren't right between her parents.
• If only I could have helped put matters right.
• He's not quite right in the head (= not mentally normal).
Opp: wrong
NOT LEFT
6. only before noun of, on or towards the side of the body that is towards the east when a person faces north
• my right eye
• Keep on the right side of the road.
• Take a right turn at the intersection.
see also right-wing, Opp: left
COMPLETE
7. only before noun (BrE, informal, especially disapproving) used to emphasize sth bad
• You made a right mess of that!
• I felt a right idiot.
see also all right
more at press/push all the right buttons at button v., get/start off on the right/wrong foot (with sb) at foot n., have your head screwed on (the right way) at head n., sb's heart is in the right place at heart, have the right idea at idea, left, right and centreright, left and centre at left adv., might is right at might n., Mr Right at Mr, hit/strike the right/wrong note at note n., get on the right/wrong side of sbon the right/wrong side of forty, fifty, etc. at side n., on the right/wrong track at track n.
Word Origin:
Old English riht (adjective and noun), rihtan (verb), rihte (adverb), of Germanic origin; related to Latin rectus ‘ruled’, from an Indo-European root denoting movement in a straight line.
Thesaurus:
right adj.
1. not usually before noun
• Hunting may be legal, but that doesn't make it right.
acceptable • • good • • proper • • justified • • justifiable • • decent • |formal due •
Opp: wrong
right/acceptable/good/proper/justified/justifiable to do sth
right/justified in doing sth
right/acceptable/good/proper that…
do the right/proper/decent thing
2.
• I got about half the answers right.
correct • • true •
Opp: wrong
right/correct about sth
the right/correct/true answer
the right/correct time
Right or correct? Correct is more formal than right and is more likely to be used in official instructions or documents.
3.
• He's definitely the right man for this job.
good • • appropriate • • suitable • • convenient • • apt • • fit • |informal cut out for/to be sth • |formal fitting •
Opp: wrong
right/good/appropriate/suitable/convenient/apt/fit/cut out/fitting for sb/sth
right/good/appropriate/suitable/convenient/apt/fit/fitting that…
right/good/appropriate/suitable/convenient/fit/fitting to do sth
Which word? How good, appropriate or suitable sb/sth is is a matter of judgement; how right sb/sth is is more a matter of fact:
• Do you think she would be a/an good/appropriate/suitable person to ask?
¤ a right person to ask:
• She's definitely the right person to ask.
¤ She's definitely the good/appropriate/suitable person to ask.
4.
• You're right to be cautious in this situation.
correct • |especially BrE proper •
Opp: wrong
right/correct about sb/sth
right/correct to do sth
right/correct in thinking/believing/saying sth
the right/correct/proper decision/judgement/conclusion/way/method/approach
Right, correct or proper? People can be right or correct about sth, but not proper: ¤ You're proper to be cautious. Correct and proper are more often used to talk about methods; right is more often used to talk about beliefs and decisions.
Synonyms:
mad
crazy • nuts • batty • out of your mind • (not) in your right mind
These are all informal words that describe sb who has a mind that does not work normally.
mad • (informal, especially BrE) having a mind that does not work normally: ▪ I thought I'd go mad if I stayed any longer.
Mad is an informal word used to suggest that sb's behaviour is very strange, often because of extreme emotional pressure. It is offensive if used to describe sb suffering from a real mental illness; use mentally ill instead. Mad is not usually used in this meaning in North American English; use crazy instead.
crazy • (informal, especially NAmE) having a mind that does not work normally: ▪ A crazy old woman rented the upstairs room.
Like mad, crazy is offensive if used to describe sb suffering from a real mental illness.
nuts • [not before noun] (informal) mad: ▪ That noise is driving me nuts! ◊ ▪ You guys are nuts!
batty • (informal, especially BrE) slightly mad, in a harmless way: ▪ Her mum's completely batty.
out of your mind • (informal) unable to think or behave normally, especially because of extreme shock or anxiety: ▪ She was out of her mind with grief.
(not) in your right mind • (informal) (not) mentally normal: ▪ No one in their right mind ▪ would choose to work there.
to be mad/crazy/nuts/out of your mind/not in your right mind to do sth
to go mad/crazy/nuts/batty
to drive sb mad/crazy/nuts/batty/out of their mind
completely mad/crazy/nuts/batty/out of your mind
Synonyms:
right
correct
Both these words describe a belief, opinion, decision or method that is suitable or the best one for a particular situation.
right • if sb is right to do or think sth, that is a good thing to do or think in that situation: ▪ You're right to be cautious. ◊ ▪ You made the right decision. ◊ ▪ ‘It's not easy.’ ‘Yes, you're right.’
correct • (of a method, belief, opinion or decision) right and suitable in a particular situation: ▪ What's the correct way to shut the machine down? ◊ ▪ I don't think she's correct to say he's incompetent.
right or correct?
Correct is more formal than right. It is more often used for methods and right is more often used for beliefs, opinions and decisions.
right/correct about sb/sth
right/correct to do sth
right/correct in thinking/believing/saying sth
the right/correct decision/judgement/conclusion
the right/correct way/method/approach
absolutely/quite right/correct
Synonyms:
true
right • correct
These words all describe sth that cannot be doubted as fact and includes no mistakes.
true • connected with facts rather than things that have been invented or guessed: ▪ Are the following statements ▪ true or false ▪? ◊ ▪ Is it ▪ true (that) ▪ she's leaving?
right • that is true and cannot be doubted as a fact: ▪ I got about half the answers right. ◊ ▪ What's the right time?
correct • right according to the facts and without any mistakes: ▪ Only one of the answers is correct. ◊ ▪ Check that all the details are correct.
right or correct?
Correct is more formal than right and is more likely to be used in official or formal instructions or documents.
right/correct about sb/sth
the true/right/correct answer
the right/correct time
Example Bank:
• He never gets anything right.
• I'm sure it'll all turn out right in the end.
• It may be a very easy way to make money, but that doesn't make it right.
• James did what he thought was right.
• She needs to get everything exactly right for her guests.
• The meat doesn't taste right to me.
• There's something not quite right about these figures.
• You were quite right about the weather.
• You're dead right. There's nothing we can do.
• ‘David, isn't it?‘‘Yes, that's right.’
• ‘I'll have to do it again.’ ‘Too right you will.’
• ‘It's not easy.’ ‘Yeah, you're right.’
• A few details are missing, but the description is more or less right.
• Am I right in thinking we've met before?
• Are you sure that sweater's on the right way (around)?
• Have you got the right money for the bus fare?
• He's definitely the right man for the job.
• He's made the right decision.
• His success was down to being in the right place at the right time.
• Hunting may be legal, but that doesn't make it right.
• I don't believe she's right in this case.
• I don't think she was right for you.
• I got about half the answers right.
• I hope we're doing the right thing.
• I think you were right to do what you did.
• I was doing what I thought was right.
• If only I could have helped put matters right.
• It was Monday you went to see Angie, right?
• It's right that he should be punished.
• Let me get this right, you want us to do ten hours' extra work for no extra pay?
• Next time we'll get it right.
• She's definitely the right person to ask.
• That sausage doesn't smell right.
• Things aren't right between her parents.
• What's the right time?
• What's the right way to do this?
• You were quite right to tell me.
• You're not holding it the right way up.
• You're right to be cautious.
Idioms: bang to rights ▪ do right by somebody ▪ give your right arm for to do something ▪ in your own right ▪ in your right mind ▪ put somebody to rights ▪ right a wrong ▪ right and left ▪ right as rain ▪ right enough ▪ right now ▪ right off ▪ right off the bat ▪ right on ▪ right side up ▪ right, left and centre ▪ see somebody right ▪ she'll be right ▪ too right
Derived Word: rightness
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
right / raɪt / adjective (CORRECT)
A1 correct:
You got three answers right and two wrong.
I set the clock to the right time.
"Is that Ms Kramer?" "Yes, that's right."
Am I right in think ing (= is it true) that you will be at the conference?
You're right to be annoyed - you've been treated very badly.
You must put matters right (= make the situation better) by telling the truth.
→ Compare wrong adjective (NOT CORRECT)
A1 If you are right about something or someone, you are correct in your judgment or statement about it or them:
You were right about Pete - he's a real troublemaker.
right / raɪt / adjective (SUITABLE)
B1 suitable or correct, or as it should be:
He's the right person for the job.
I think you've made the right decision.
The temperature of the swimming pool was just right (= exactly as I wanted it) .
That hat looks just right on you.
He thought the time was right to let his intentions be known.
→ Compare wrong adjective (NOT SUITABLE)
describes a person who is considered to be socially important or a place that such people go to:
She knows all the right people.
He likes to be seen in the right clubs and restaurants.
the right way round/up UK ( US the right way around/up ) in the correct position:
The lid has to go on the right way round or it won't fit.
Keep the bottle the right way up.
right / raɪt / adjective [ after verb ] (MORALLY ACCEPTABLE)
B2 considered fair or morally acceptable by most people:
I don't believe they should have put him in prison. It isn't right.
[ + to infinitive ] It 's not right to criticize someone behind their back.
[ + that ] It is only (= completely) right that men and women should be paid the same for doing the same work.
→ Compare wrong adjective (IMMORAL)
right / raɪt / adjective (HEALTHY)
healthy, or working correctly:
Since eating that food last night, I haven't felt quite right.
Something isn't quite right with the brakes on your bike.
right / raɪt / adjective [ before noun ] informal (COMPLETE)
used for emphasizing when something is bad:
He's a right idiot.
His house is a right mess.
right / raɪt / adjective , adverb (DIRECTION)
A2 on or towards the side of your body that is to the east when you are facing north:
Most people write with their right hand.
Turn/Go right (= take the road on the right) at the first traffic lights.
US I took/made ( informal hung ) a right (= turned into the next road on the right side) after crossing the bridge.
In this photo, my wife is the woman standing on/to my right.
→ Compare left adjective adverb
© Cambridge University Press 2013
Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary
right
I [ra͟ɪt]CORRECT, APPROPRIATE, OR ACCEPTABLE
rights, righting, righted
(Please look at category 17 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.)
1) ADJ If something is right, it is correct and agrees with the facts.
That's absolutely right...
Clocks never told the right time...
You chip away at the problem until somebody comes up with the right answer...
The barman tells me you saw Ann on Tuesday morning. Is that right?
Syn:
correct
Ant:
wrong
Derived words:
rightly ADV ADV after v She attended one meeting only, if I remember rightly.
ADV: ADV after v
Right is also an adverb. He guessed right about some things.
2) ADJ: usu ADJ n If you do something in the right way or in the right place, you do it as or where it should be done or was planned to be done.
Walking, done in the right way, is a form of aerobic exercise...
They have computerized systems to ensure delivery of the right pizza to the right place...
The chocolate is then melted down to exactly the right temperature.
Syn:
correctly
Ant:
wrong
ADV: ADV after v
Right is also an adverb. To make sure I did everything right, I bought a fat instruction book.
3) ADJ: usu ADJ n If you say that someone is seen in all the right places or knows all the right people, you mean that they go to places which are socially acceptable or know people who are socially acceptable.
He was always to be seen in the right places...
Through his father, he had met all the right people.
Ant:
wrong
4) ADJ If someone is right about something, they are correct in what they say or think about it.
Ron has been right about the result of every General Election but one...
Is that true? Was she right?...
Am I right in thinking you're the only person in the club who's actually played at Wembley?
Syn:
correct
Ant:
wrong
Derived words:
rightly ADV He rightly assumed that the boy was hiding.
5) ADJ If something such as a choice, action, or decision is the right one, it is the best or most suitable one.
She'd made the right choice in leaving New York...
The right decision was made, but probably for the wrong reasons...
They decided the time was right for their escape.
Syn:
correct
Ant:
wrong
Derived words:
rightly ADV ADV with v She hoped she'd decided rightly.
6) ADJ: v-link ADJ, with brd-neg If something is not right, there is something unsatisfactory about the situation or thing that you are talking about.
Ratatouille doesn't taste right with any other oil...
The name Sue Anne never seemed quite right to Molly...
He went into hospital and came out after a week. But he still wasn't right.
Ant:
wrong
7) ADJ: v-link ADJ, usu ADJ to-inf If you think that someone was right to do something, you think that there were good moral reasons why they did it.
You were right to do what you did, under the circumstances...
The president was absolutely right in ordering the bombing raid.
Ant:
wrong
Derived words:
rightly ADV ADV before v, ADV with cl The crowd screamed for a penalty but the referee rightly ignored them... Education, quite rightly, is currently at the forefront of the political agenda.
8) ADJ: v-link ADJ, oft with brd-neg Right is used to refer to activities or actions that are considered to be morally good and acceptable.
It's not right, leaving her like this...
Fox hunting is popular among some people in this country. It doesn't make it right though...
The BBC thought it was right and proper not to show the film.
Ant:
wrong
Derived words:
rightness N-UNCOUNT usu N of n Many people have very strong opinions about the rightness or wrongness of abortion.
N-UNCOUNT
Right is also a noun. At least he knew right from wrong.
9) VERB If you right something or if it rights itself, it returns to its normal or correct state, after being in an undesirable state.
[V n] They recognise the urgency of righting the economy...
[V pron-refl] Your eyesight rights itself very quickly.
10) VERB If you right a wrong, you do something to make up for a mistake or something bad that you did in the past.
[V n] We've made progress in righting the wrongs of the past...
[V n] Having spent 25 years righting his own mistakes, he is anxious that children should not waste opportunities.
Syn:
rectify
11) VERB If you right something that has fallen or rolled over, or if it rights itself, it returns to its normal upright position.
[V n] He righted the yacht and continued the race...
[V pron-refl] The helicopter turned at an awful angle before righting itself.
12) ADJ: ADJ n The right side of a material is the side that is intended to be seen and that faces outwards when it is made into something.
Ant:
wrong
13) PHRASE: V inflects If you say that things are going right, you mean that your life or a situation is developing as you intended or expected and you are pleased with it.
I can't think of anything in my life that's going right...
I was pleased with my performance on Saturday - everything went right.
Ant:
go wrong
14) PHRASE: usu v-link PHR If someone has behaved in a way which is morally or legally right, you can say that they are in the right. You usually use this expression when the person is involved in an argument or dispute.
She wasn't entirely in the right...
Legally, the local tax office is in the right.
Ant:
in the wrong
15) PHRASE: V inflects If you put something right, you correct something that was wrong or that was causing problems.
We've discovered what's gone wrong and are going to put it right.
16) PHRASE You can use Mr Right, Miss Right, or Ms Right to talk about the kind of person that you imagine you will marry or spend the rest of your life with.
She confesses to having trouble finding Mr Right.
...bachelors searching for Ms Right.
17) heart in the right place → see heart
it serves you right → see serve
on the right side of → see sideII [ra͟ɪt]DIRECTION AND POLITICAL GROUPINGS
(The spelling Right is also used for meanings 3 and 4.)
1) N-SING: usu the N The right is one of two opposite directions, sides, or positions. If you are facing north and you turn to the right, you will be facing east. In the word `to', the `o' is to the right of the `t'.
Ahead of you on the right will be a lovely garden...
He looks to his left, up at the screen, then to his right.
Ant:
left
ADV: ADV after v
Right is also an adverb. Turn right into the street.
2) ADJ: ADJ n Your right arm, leg, or ear, for example, is the one which is on the right side of your body. Your right shoe or glove is the one which is intended to be worn on your right foot or hand.
Ant:
left
3) N-SING-COLL: the N You can refer to people who support the political ideals of capitalism and conservatism as the right. They are often contrasted with the left, who support the political ideals of socialism.
The Tory Right despise him...
The right attacks me for being irreligious.
Ant:
left
4) N-SING: the N If you say that someone has moved to the right, you mean that their political beliefs have become more right-wing.
They see the shift to the Right as a worldwide phenomenon.
Ant:
left
5) PHRASE: usu v-link PHR If someone is at a person's right hand, they work closely with that person so they can help and advise them.
I think he ought to be at the right hand of the president.III [ra͟ɪt]ENTITLEMENT
rights
1) N-PLURAL: usu poss N Your rights are what you are morally or legally entitled to do or to have.
They don't know their rights...
You must stand up for your rights.
...voting rights.
2) N-SING: usu N to-inf If you have a right to do or to have something, you are morally or legally entitled to do it or to have it.
...a woman's right to choose...
People have the right to read any kind of material they wish.
3) N-PLURAL: the N, usu with supp If someone has the rights to a story or book, they are legally allowed to publish it or reproduce it in another form, and nobody else can do so without their permission.
An agent bought the rights to his life...
He'd tried to buy the film rights of all George Bernard Shaw's plays.
4) PHRASE: PHR with cl If something is not the case but you think that it should be, you can say that by rights it should be the case.
She did work which by rights should be done by someone else.
5) PHRASE: usu n adj PHR If someone is a successful or respected person in their own right, they are successful or respected because of their own efforts and talents rather than those of the people they are closely connected with.
Although now a celebrity in her own right, actress Lynn Redgrave knows the difficulties of living in the shadow of her famous older sister...
Their baby is a person in his own right.
6) PHRASE: V inflects, PHR to-inf If you say that you reserve the right to do something, you mean that you will do it if you feel that it is necessary.
He reserved the right to change his mind...
The ministry said it reserved the right to take whatever action necessary.
7) PHRASE: usu v-link PHR If you say that someone is within their rights to do something, you mean that they are morally or legally entitled to do it.
You were quite within your rights to refuse to co-operate with him.
Syn:
justifiedIV [ra͟ɪt]DISCOURSE USES
1) ADV: ADV cl You use right in order to attract someone's attention or to indicate that you have dealt with one thing so you can go on to another. [SPOKEN]
Right, I'll be back in a minute...
Wonderful. Right, let's go to our next caller.
2) CONVENTION You can use right to check whether what you have just said is correct. [SPOKEN]
They have a small plane, right?...
So if it's not there now, the killer has it. Right?
3) ADV: ADV as reply You can say `right' to show that you are listening to what someone is saying and that you accept it or understand it. [SPOKEN]
`Your children may well come away speaking with a bit of a broad country accent' - `Right.' - `because they're mixing with country children.'
Syn:
yes
4) → See also all right
5) CONVENTION (feelings) You say `right on' to express your support or approval. [INFORMAL, OLD-FASHIONED, SPOKEN]
He suggested that many of the ideas just would not work. But the tenor of his input was `Right on! Please show us how to make them work'.
6) PHRASE If someone says `right you are', they are agreeing to do something in a very willing and happy way. [INFORMAL, SPOKEN]
`I want a word with you when you stop.' - `Right you are.'
Syn:
OKV [ra͟ɪt]USED FOR EMPHASIS
1) ADV: ADV adv/prep (emphasis) You can use right to emphasize the precise place, position, or time of something.
The back of a car appeared right in front of him.
...a charming resort right on the Italian frontier...
I had to decide right then.
2) ADV: ADV prep/adv (emphasis) You can use right to emphasize how far something moves or extends or how long it continues.
...the highway that runs through the Indian zone right to the army positions...
She was kept very busy right up to the moment of her departure...
It was taken right there on a conveyor belt.
Syn:
all the way
3) ADV: ADV adv/prep (emphasis) You can use right to emphasize that an action or state is complete.
The candle had burned right down...
If somebody fell in that water we could throw them a rope and pull them right out!
4) ADJ: ADJ n (emphasis) You can use right to emphasize a noun, usually a noun referring to something bad. [BRIT, INFORMAL]
He gave them a right telling off...
England's European Championship plans are in a right mess.
Syn:
real
5) ADV: ADV prep/adv (emphasis) If you say that something happened right after a particular time or event or right before it, you mean that it happened immediately after or before it.
All of a sudden, right after the summer, Mother gets married...
She then decided right before the opening to make a dramatic announcement.
Syn:
just
6) ADV: ADV adv (emphasis) If you say I'll be right there or I'll be right back, you mean that you will get to a place or get back to it in a very short time.
I'm going to get some water. I'll be right back.
7) PHRASE: PHR after v, PHR with cl (emphasis) If you do something right away or right off, you do it immediately. [INFORMAL]
He wants to see you right away...
I knew right away she was dead...
Right off I want to confess that I was wrong.
Syn:
straight away
8) PHRASE: PHR with cl (emphasis) You can use right now to emphasize that you are referring to the present moment. [INFORMAL]
Right now I'm feeling very excited...
I'm warning you; stop it right now!VI [ra͟ɪt]USED IN TITLES
right
ADV: ADV adj
Right is used in some British titles. It indicates high rank or status.
...The Right Reverend John Baker.
...the Right Honourable Lynn Jones MP.
...the Right Honourable Michael Portillo.
Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary
1right /ˈraɪt/ adj
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!
(as) right as rain informal : in excellent health or condition
• After a few days of rest, you'll be right as rain again.
get off on the right foot
- see 1foot
give your right arm
- see 1give
push the right buttons
- see 1button
- see also all right
- right·ness noun [noncount]
• She questioned the rightness of his actions/decision.
