Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English homepage

Topic: HUMAN

Language: Old English
Origin: riht

right

1 adjective
     
right1 S1 W1
1

true/correct

a) a statement or piece of information that is right is correct and based on true facts [= correct; ≠ 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 [≠ 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 [≠ 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) HBH your right side is the side with the hand that most people write with [≠ left]:
He had a knife in his right hand.
a scar on the right side of her face
b) HBH on the same side of something as your right side [≠ 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 [≠ 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 [= 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)
Definition of right from the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English within
the topic HUMAN
Word of the Day
The HUMAN
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