right and rite are homophones: they are pronounced identically and spelled differently, which is why they are so often swapped. right means “being or located on or directed toward the side of the body to the east when facing north”. rite means “an established ceremony prescribed by a religion”. right is the more common of the two in everyday English.
/ˈɹaɪt/
1.adj.being or located on or directed toward the side of the body to the east when facing north
“my right hand”
2.adj.free from error; especially conforming to fact or truth
“the correct answer”
3.adj.socially right or correct
“it isn't right to leave the party without saying goodbye”
| right | rite | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈɹaɪt/ | /ˈɹaɪt/ |
| Said | rahyt | rahyt |
| Syllables | 1 | 1 |
| Letters | 5 | 4 |
| Parts of speech | adjective, adverb, noun, verb | noun |
| Senses | 37 | 2 |
| How common | Core | Familiar |
| Synonyms | none recorded | religious rite |
Full entry for right · Full entry for rite · More comparisons
/ˈɹaɪt/
1.n.an established ceremony prescribed by a religion
“the rite of baptism”
2.n.any customary observance or practice