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Right

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.

turn right

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

 

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