right

The word "right" has many different meanings. In the first set of examples, "right" is the opposite of "left."

• When you drive a car, you make many right turns.
• When you take an oath, you raise your right hand.
• Most people naturally use their right arm when throwing something.

The word "right" is also very similar to the word "correct."

• The student gave the right answer to the teacher’s question.
• Is he right, or is he wrong?
• A student who gets all of the answers right gets a gold star.

Similarly, the word "right" is used to describe a morally correct or justifiable action:

• Allowing people to starve to death is not the right thing to do.
• It’s not right to steal.
• It’s not right to cut in line ahead of people who are waiting for something.

When the word "right" is used as a noun, it refers to something a person should have, legally or morally.

• In the United States, if you are accused of a crime, you have a right to a trial by a jury of your peers.
• You have a right to free speech.
• You have a right to observe the religion of your choice.
• You have to stand up for your rights.

On the political spectrum in the United States, a person who is on the right is very conservative or a very conservative Republican. Democrats are on the left, and Republicans are on the right.

• Bernie Sanders was considered to be a far left candidate for the office of President. His political views are almost the opposite of those on the right.
• Marco Rubio, a senator from Florida, is on the right.
• Some ultra-conservative members of the far right are racists who believe in white supremacy.

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Published on August 12, 2017