- 1[uncountable, countable] what is morally good or correct She doesn't understand the difference between right and wrong. You did right to tell me about it. He wouldn't apologize. He knew he was in the right (= had justice on his side). It was difficult to establish the rights and wrongs (= the true facts) of the matter. opposite wrong
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moral/legal claim - 2[countable, uncountable] a moral or legal claim to have or get something or to behave in a particular way right (to something) Everyone has a right to a fair trial. right (to do something) You have no right to stop me from going in there. What gives you the right to do that? She had every right to be angry. You're quite within your rights to ask for your money back. By rights (= if justice were done) half the money should be mine. There is no right of appeal against the decision. The property belongs to her by right. They had fought hard for equal rights. see animal rights, civil rights, human right
- 3rights [plural] the authority to perform, publish, film, etc. a particular work, event, etc. He sold the rights for $2 million. all rights reserved (= protected or kept for the owners of the book, movie, etc.) not left side
- 4the/someone's right [singular] the right side or direction Take the first street on the right. She seated me on her right. opposite left
- 5[singular] the first, second, etc. right the first, second, etc. road on the right side Take the first right, then the second left. opposite left
- 6a right [singular] a turn to the right to make a right (informal) to hang a right opposite left politics
- 7the right, the Right [singular] political groups that most strongly support traditional and conservative social, financial, and religious views compare right wing He felt that the Republican Party had been taken over by the Right. opposite left
- 8the right [singular] the part of a political party whose members are most conservative He's on the right of the Democratic Party. opposite left in boxing
- 9a blow that is made with your right hand He hit him with a right to the jaw. opposite left Idioms
something morally good
with definite proof of having committed a crime, so that you cannot claim to be innocent We've got you dead to rights handling stolen property.
to treat someone fairly and make sure that they have all they need or want You won't have to worry about money—I'll do right by you.
because of your personal qualifications or efforts, not because of your connection with someone else
to put things in their right places or right order It took us ages to put things to rights after the hurricane.
used to say that if someone does something bad to you, the situation will not be improved by doing something bad to them
Check pronunciation: right