rightward

The word "rightward" is a transparent directional compound formed within English. Its first element, "right," originates from the Proto-Germanic rehtaz, which carried the dual meanings of "straight" and "right-hand side," a semantic link preserved in many Indo-European languages where the right hand was associated with correctness and dexterity. The suffix "-ward," from Proto-Germanic -wardaz, denotes orientation or motion toward a specific point. Therefore, the literal construction "right-ward" logically evolved to describe any movement or position oriented toward the right-hand side, directly mapping its morphemic components to its modern spatial meaning.

Structure: right (correct/direction) + ward (direction suffix) - right: From Old English riht, meaning "straight, correct, right-hand." It is of Germanic origin, related to Latin rectus ("straight"). - ward: A directional suffix from Old English -weard, meaning "tending, facing, or moving toward." It is of Germanic origin, related to the verb weorthan ("to become").