rightmost

the word 'rightmost' is a modern english compound formed by combining the adjective 'right', with its directional sense, and the superlative suffix '-most'. the root 'right' originates from proto-germanic rehtaz, meaning 'straight' or 'correct', which itself derives from the proto-indo-european root h₃reǵ-, meaning 'to move in a straight line' or 'to direct'. this core concept of straightness evolved in english to denote the direction opposite left, based on the historical association of the right hand with strength and correctness. the suffix '-most', from old english -mǣst, is used to form superlatives of directional terms, such as in 'topmost' and 'innermost'. thus, 'rightmost' logically denotes the superlative position in the rightward direction, meaning farthest to the right.

Structure: right (correct/direction) + most (superlative suffix) right: from old english riht (straight, correct, just, proper), of germanic origin; functional role: base adjective/adverb denoting direction or correctness. most: from old english mǣst (greatest, most), of germanic origin; functional role: suffix forming the superlative degree of adjectives and adverbs.