Right vs. Wright — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on June 6, 2024
Right refers to a direction, correctness, or entitlement; wright denotes a maker or builder of something.
Difference Between Right and Wright
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Right, as a term, spans multiple definitions, from indicating direction opposite of left to describing something that conforms to truth or a standard. It can also denote an entitlement or privilege one possesses. For instance, "freedom of speech" is often described as a "right." The versatility of the term "right" makes it applicable across diverse contexts. Wright, on the other hand, denotes a type of craftsman, or someone who constructs or creates a specific thing. Its roots trace back to Old English, indicating a sense of workmanship or construction.
In terms of linguistic roots, right can be traced to Old English "riht," which denotes straight or direct, while wright comes from "wryhta" or "wyrhta," signifying a worker or maker. While both words have Old English origins, their applications in contemporary language differ vastly.
In everyday parlance, right is more commonly used than wright. You'd often hear or see "right" in daily conversations, legal texts, or in directions, while "wright" is more specific, often used in contexts that refer to certain crafts or professions.
Comparison Chart
Meaning
Direction, correctness, entitlement
Craftsman or builder
Part of Speech
Adjective, noun, adverb
Noun
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Root
Old English "riht"
Old English "wryhta" or "wyrhta"
Common Usage
Daily conversations, legal texts
Specific professions or crafts
Examples
"Turn right", "Human rights"
"Playwright", "Shipwright"
Compare with Definitions
Right
Correct or proper in any context.
He gave the right answer in the quiz.
Wright
A worker or creator, especially in woodworking.
The wright constructed a beautiful oak table.
Right
A moral or legal entitlement.
It's your right to vote.
Wright
A professional who constructs.
A playwright writes plays.
Right
Opposite of left direction.
Turn right at the next junction.
Wright
Wright is an occupational surname originating in England. The term 'Wright' comes from the circa 700 AD Old English word 'wryhta' or 'wyrhta', meaning worker or shaper of wood.
Right
In a satisfactory condition or state.
Everything is right with the world.
Wright
An artisan who makes specific objects.
The wheelwright repaired the wagon's wheel.
Right
Exactly or directly.
The store is right in front of you.
Wright
Originated from Old English indicating workmanship.
The shipwright built magnificent vessels.
Right
In a right or straight line; directly; hence; straightway; immediately; next; as, he stood right before me; it went right to the mark; he came right out; he followed right after the guide.
Unto Dian's temple goeth she right.
Let thine eyes look right on.
Right across its track there lay,Down in the water, a long reef of gold.
Wright
A person who crafts or constructs in specific fields.
The millwright set up the machinery with precision.
Right
That to which one has a just claim.
There are no rights whatever, without corresponding duties.
Wright
One that constructs or repairs something. Often used in combination
A playwright.
A shipwright.
Right
In accordance with moral or social standards;
That serves him right
Do right by him
Wright
(obsolete) A builder or maker of something.
Right
Most favorable, desirable, or convenient
The right time to act.
Wright
One who is engaged in a mechanical or manufacturing business; an artificer; a workman; a manufacturer; a mechanic; esp., a worker in wood; - now chiefly used in compounds, as in millwright, wheelwright, etc.
He was a well good wright, a carpenter.
Right
Intended to be worn or positioned facing outward or toward an observer
The right side of the dress.
Made sure that the right side of the fabric was visible.
Wright
United States writer whose work is concerned with the oppression of African Americans (1908-1960)
Right
A just or legal claim or title.
Wright
United States aviation pioneer who (with his brother Wilbur Wright) invented the airplane (1871-1948)
Right
Chiefly Southern US Considerably; very
They have a right nice place.
Wright
United States early feminist (born in Scotland) (1795-1852)
Right
A just judgment or action; that which is true or proper; justice; uprightness; integrity.
Long love to her has borne the faithful knight,And well deserved, had fortune done him right.
Wright
Someone who makes or repairs something (usually used in combination)
Right
Conforming with or conformable to justice, law, or morality
Do the right thing and confess.
Wright
United States writer of detective novels (1888-1939)
Right
In accordance with fact, reason, or truth; correct
The right answer.
Wright
United States aviation pioneer who (with his brother Orville Wright) invented the airplane (1867-1912)
Right
Fitting, proper, or appropriate
It is not right to leave the party without saying goodbye.
Wright
Influential United States architect (1869-1959)
Right
In or into a satisfactory state or condition
Put things right.
Right
In good mental or physical health or order.
Right
Of, belonging to, located on, or being the side of the body to the south when the subject is facing east.
Right
Of, relating to, directed toward, or located on the right side.
Right
Located on the right side of a person facing downstream
The right bank of a river.
Right
The right side.
Right
The right hand.
Right
A turn in the direction of the right hand or side.
Right
The people and groups who advocate the adoption of conservative or reactionary measures, especially in government and politics. Also called right wing.
Right
(Sports) A blow delivered by a boxer's right hand.
Right
Something that is due to a person or governmental body by law, tradition, or nature.
Right
Something, especially humane treatment, claimed to be due to animals by moral principle.
Right
An existing stockholder's legally protected claim to purchase additional shares in a corporation ahead of those who are not currently stockholders, especially at a cost lower than market value.
Right
The negotiable paper on which such an entitlement is indicated.
Right
In a straight line; directly
Went right to school.
Right
In the proper or desired manner; well
The jacket doesn't fit right.
Right
According to law, morality, or justice.
Right
Accurately; correctly
Answered the question right.
Right
Used as an intensive
Kept right on going.
Right
Used in titles
The Right Reverend Jane Smith.
Right
To put in order or set right; correct
Measures designed to right generations of unfair labor practices.
Right
To make reparation or amends for; redress
Right a wrong.
Right
To regain an upright or proper position.
Right
(archaic) Straight, not bent.
A right line
Right
(geometry) Of an angle, having a size of 90 degrees, or one quarter of a complete rotation; the angle between two perpendicular lines.
The kitchen counter formed a right angle with the back wall.
Right
(geometry) Of a geometric figure, incorporating a right angle between edges, faces, axes, etc.
A right triangle, a right prism, a right cone
Right
Complying with justice, correctness or reason; correct, just, true.
I thought you'd made a mistake, but it seems you were right all along.
It's not right that one person gets all the credit for the group's work.
Right
Yes, that is correct; I agree.
Right
I agree with whatever you say; I have no opinion.
Right
Used to check agreement at the end of an utterance.
You're going, right?
Right
Used to add seriousness or decisiveness before a statement.
Right
That which complies with justice, law or reason.
We're on the side of right in this contest.
Right
A legal, just or moral entitlement.
You have no right to go through my personal diary.
Right
The right side or direction.
The pharmacy is just on the right past the bookshop.
Right
The right hand or fist.
Right
The authority to perform, publish, film, or televise a particular work, event, etc.; a copyright.
Right
(politics) The ensemble of right-wing political parties; political conservatives as a group.
The political right holds too much power.
Right
The outward or most finished surface, as of a coin, piece of cloth, a carpet, etc.
Right
(surfing) A wave breaking from right to left (viewed from the shore).
Right
(transitive) To set upright.
The tow-truck righted what was left of the automobile.
Right
(intransitive) To return to normal upright position.
When the wind died down, the ship righted.
Right
(transitive) To do justice to; to relieve from wrong; to restore rights to; to assert or regain the rights of.
To right the oppressed
Right
Straight; direct; not crooked; as, a right line.
Right
Upright; erect from a base; having an upright axis; not oblique; as, right ascension; a right pyramid or cone.
Right
Fit; suitable; proper; correct; becoming; as, the right man in the right place; the right way from London to Oxford.
Right
Conformed to the constitution of man and the will of God, or to justice and equity; not deviating from the true and just; according with truth and duty; just; true.
That which is conformable to the Supreme Rule is absolutely right, and is called right simply without relation to a special end.
Right
Characterized by reality or genuineness; real; actual; not spurious.
In this battle, . . . the Britons never more plainly manifested themselves to be right barbarians.
Right
According with truth; passing a true judgment; conforming to fact or intent; not mistaken or wrong; not erroneous; correct; as, this is the right faith.
You are right, Justice, and you weigh this well.
If there be no prospect beyond the grave, the inference is . . . right, "Let us eat and drink, for to-morrow we die."
Right
Most favorable or convenient; fortunate.
The lady has been disappointed on the right side.
Right
Of or pertaining to that side of the body in man on which the muscular action is usually stronger than on the other side; - opposed to left when used in reference to a part of the body; as, the right side, hand, arm. Also applied to the corresponding side of the lower animals.
Became the sovereign's favorite, his right hand.
Right
Well placed, disposed, or adjusted; orderly; well regulated; correctly done.
Right
Designed to be placed or worn outward; as, the right side of a piece of cloth.
"Right," cries his lordship.
Right
In a right manner.
Right
Exactly; just.
Came he right now to sing a raven's note?
Right
According to the law or will of God; conforming to the standard of truth and justice; righteously; as, to live right; to judge right.
Right
That which one has a legal or social claim to do or to exact; legal power; authority; as, a sheriff has a right to arrest a criminal.
Born free, he sought his right.
Hast thou not right to all created things?
Men have no right to what is not reasonable.
Right
The right side; the side opposite to the left.
Led her to the Souldan's right.
Right
Privilege or immunity granted by authority.
Right
Put in or restore to an upright position;
They righted the sailboat that had capsized
Right
Regain an upright or proper position;
The capsized boat righted again
Right
In accord with accepted standards of usage or procedure;
What's the right word for this?
The right way to open oysters
Right
Having the axis perpendicular to the base;
A right angle
Right
Of the side of cloth or clothing intended to face outward;
The right side of the cloth showed the pattern
Be sure your shirt is right side out
Right
Most suitable or right for a particular purpose;
A good time to plant tomatoes
The right time to act
The time is ripe for great sociological changes
Right
Precisely, exactly;
Stand right here!
Right
Exactly;
He fell flop on his face
Right
Toward or on the right; also used figuratively;
He looked right and left
The party has moved right
Right
In the right manner;
Please do your job properly!
Can't you carry me decent?
Right
Completely;
She felt right at home
He fell right into the trap
Right
(Southern regional intensive) very;
The baby is mighty cute
He's mighty tired
It is powerful humid
That boy is powerful big now
They have a right nice place
Right
In a correct manner;
He guessed right
Right
Often Right Of or belonging to the political or intellectual right.
Right
Formed by or in reference to a line or plane that is perpendicular to another line or plane.
Right
Having the axis perpendicular to the base
Right cone.
Right
Having a right angle
A right triangle.
Right
Straight; uncurved; direct
A right line.
Right
(Archaic) Not spurious; genuine.
Right
That which is just, moral, or proper.
Right
The direction or position on the right side.
Right
The opinion of those advocating such measures.
Right
(Baseball) Right field.
Right
Toward or on the right.
Right
Exactly; just
The accident happened right over there.
Right
Immediately
Called me right after dinner.
Right
Completely; quite
The icy wind blew right through me.
Right
To put in or restore to an upright or proper position
They righted their boat.
Right
Appropriate, perfectly suitable; fit for purpose.
Is this the right software for my computer?
Right
Healthy, sane, competent.
I'm afraid my father is no longer in his right mind.
Right
Real; veritable (used emphatically).
You've made a right mess of the kitchen!
Right
(Australia) All right; not requiring assistance.
Right
(dated) Most favourable or convenient; fortunate.
Right
Designating the side of the body which is positioned to the east if one is facing north. This arrow points to the reader's right: →
After the accident, her right leg was slightly shorter than her left.
Right
(geography) Designating the bank of a river (etc.) on one's right when facing downstream (i.e. facing forward while floating with the current); that is, the south bank of a river that flows eastward. If this arrow: ⥴ shows the direction of the current, the tilde is on the right side of the river.
Right
Designed to be placed or worn outward.
The right side of a piece of cloth
Right
(politics) Pertaining to the political right; conservative.
Right
On the right side.
Right
Towards the right side.
Right
Exactly, precisely.
The arrow landed right in the middle of the target.
Luckily we arrived right at the start of the film.
Right
Immediately, directly.
Can't you see it? It's right beside you!
Tom was standing right in front of the TV, blocking everyone's view.
Right
Very, extremely, quite.
I made a right stupid mistake there, didn't I?
I stubbed my toe a week ago and it still hurts right much.
Right
According to fact or truth; actually; truly; really.
Right
In a correct manner.
Do it right or don't do it at all.
Right
To a great extent or degree.
Sir, I am right glad to meet you …
Members of the Queen's Privy Council are styled The Right Honourable for life.
The Right Reverend Monsignor Guido Sarducci.
Right
Signpost word to change the subject in a discussion or discourse.
- After that interview, I don't think we should hire her.
- Right — who wants lunch?
- Right — who wants lunch?
Right
(transitive) To correct.
Righting all the wrongs of the war immediately will be impossible.
Right
According to any rule of art; correctly.
You with strict discipline instructed right.
Right
According to fact or truth; actually; truly; really; correctly; exactly; as, to tell a story right.
Right as it were a steed of Lumbardye.
His wounds so smarted that he slept right naught.
Right
In a great degree; very; wholly; unqualifiedly; extremely; highly; as, right humble; right noble; right valiant.
For which I should be right sorry.
[I] return those duties back as are right fit.
Right
That which is right or correct.
Seldom your opinions err;Your eyes are always in the right.
Right
The outward or most finished surface, as of a piece of cloth, a carpet, etc.
He should himself use it by right.
I should have been a woman by right.
Right
To bring or restore to the proper or natural position; to set upright; to make right or straight (that which has been wrong or crooked); to correct.
Right
To do justice to; to relieve from wrong; to restore rights to; to assert or regain the rights of; as, to right the oppressed; to right one's self; also, to vindicate.
So just is God, to right the innocent.
All experience hath shown that mankind are more disposed to suffer while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed.
Right
To recover the proper or natural condition or position; to become upright.
Right
Hence, to regain an upright position, as a ship or boat, after careening.
Right
An abstract idea of that which is due to a person or governmental body by law or tradition or nature;
They are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights
Certain rights can never be granted to the government but must be kept in the hands of the people
A right is not something that somebody gives you; it is something that nobody can take away
Right
(frequently plural) the interest possessed by law or custom in some intangible thing;
Mineral rights
Film rights
Right
Location near or direction toward the right side; i.e. the side to the south when a person or object faces east;
He stood on the right
Right
A turn to the right;
Take a right at the corner
Right
Those who support political or social or economic conservatism; those who believe that things are better left unchanged
Right
Anything in accord with principles of justice;
He feels he is in the right
The rightfulness of his claim
Right
The hand that is on the right side of the body;
He writes with his right hand but pitches with his left
Hit him with quick rights to the body
Right
The piece of ground in the outfield on the catcher's right
Right
Make reparations or amends for;
Right a wrongs done to the victims of the Holocaust
Right
Make right or correct;
Correct the mistakes
Rectify the calculation
Right
Free from error; especially conforming to fact or truth;
The correct answer
The correct version
The right answer
Took the right road
The right decision
Right
Being or located on or directed toward the side of the body to the east when facing north;
My right hand
Right center field
A right-hand turn
The right bank of a river is the bank on your right side when you are facing downstream
Right
Socially right or correct;
It isn't right to leave the party without saying goodbye
Correct behavior
Right
In conformance with justice or law or morality;
Do the right thing and confess
Right
Correct in opinion or judgment;
Time proved him right
Right
Appropriate for a condition or occasion;
Everything in its proper place
The right man for the job
She is not suitable for the position
Right
Of or belonging to the political or intellectual left
Right
In or into a satisfactory condition;
Things are right again now
Put things right
Right
Intended for the right hand;
A right-hand glove
Right
Immediately;
She called right after dinner
Right
An interjection expressing agreement
Common Curiosities
Can right also mean something that's correct?
Yes, right can signify something that conforms to truth, fact, or a particular standard.
What's the origin of wright?
Wright originates from Old English, with roots indicating workmanship or construction.
Would you use wright to refer to any kind of worker?
No, wright is used specifically for craftsmen or builders in certain fields, not for workers in general.
Can right be used as multiple parts of speech?
Yes, right can be used as a noun, adjective, and adverb, among other roles.
How does wright relate to craftsmanship?
Wright denotes a craftsman or someone who creates or constructs something specific.
Is there a moral or ethical dimension to the word right?
Yes, right can refer to a moral or legal entitlement, as in human rights or the right to privacy.
What does right mean in terms of direction?
Right refers to a direction that's opposite of left.
In which professions is wright commonly seen?
Wright is often seen in professions like playwrights (who write plays), shipwrights (who build ships), and wheelwrights (who make or repair wheels).
Is right used in legal contexts?
Yes, right is often used in legal contexts to refer to entitlements, privileges, or freedoms protected by law.
Is wright commonly used in modern English?
While wright is less commonly used than right, it still appears in specific contexts related to craftsmanship or certain professions.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
