right
UK[raɪt]US[raɪt]
adj
Correct or true; in accordance with fact or reason.
adj
Morally good, justified, or acceptable.
adj
On or towards the side of the body which is east when facing north.
n
That which is morally correct, just, or honorable.
n
A moral or legal entitlement to have or do something.
adv
To the furthest or most complete extent or degree.
adv
Exactly; directly.
adv
Correctly or satisfactorily.
v
Restore to a normal or upright position.
Etymology
The word 'right' carries a profound conceptual journey from the physical to the abstract. Its ultimate origin lies in the Proto-Indo-European root reg-, which conveyed the concrete action of moving or leading in a straight line. This core idea of straightness and directness was inherited into Proto-Germanic as rehtaz, evolving into Old English riht. The meaning naturally extended from the literal sense of "straight" to the metaphorical senses of "correct, just, and lawful," as a straight line was seen as the proper and true course. This semantic expansion solidified in Middle English, resulting in the modern word's complex web of meanings encompassing direction, morality, legality, and correctness, all unified by the ancient logic of directness and proper alignment.
Analysis
The modern English word 'right' is a simplex word derived from a single, tight Germanic root. Its Old English form was riht, which functioned as an adjective, noun, and adverb, meaning "straight, direct, just, correct." This root is traced back to Proto-Germanic rehtaz and ultimately to the Proto-Indo-European root reg-, meaning "to move in a straight line," hence "to direct, rule, lead straight, put right."
Examples
You are absolutely right about the meeting time.
Everyone has the right to freedom of speech.
Turn right at the next traffic light.