If two words that are homophones (words having the same pronunciation but different meanings, origins, or spelling) are already confusing enough for some, imagine if you have three. This is the case with the terms right, rite, and write. Although these words sound the same, they are very different in terms of meaning and uses. Today, we will help you distinguish between the three so you can use them correctly in your writing.
The word right can be used in a variety of ways but is most commonly functions as an adjective meaning “morally good, justified, or acceptable,” or “true or correct as a fact.”
Newt Gingrich: ‘Death to America’ — Why Trump’s Iran policy is right
Fox NewsWhy L.A. is right to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day
Los Angeles TimesMike Ditka: ‘I intended the right thing. It just came out wrong.’
Chicago Tribune
It may also be used as an adverb meaning “correctly” or “to the furthest or most complete extent or degree.”
On a pivotal play, replay got it right: Jose Lobaton was out. But is that good for the game?
Washington PostHackers may have taken customer data right off of T-Mobile website
PocketNow
Right may also function as a noun referring to “that which is morally correct, just, or honorable” or “a moral or legal entitlement to have or obtain something or to act in a certain way.”
Women Shouldn’t Have The Right To Vote, Says ‘Alt-Right’ Leader Richard Spencer
NewsweekFamily battling for son’s right to autism therapy in school launches human rights complaint
Toronto Star
In some cases, it may also be used as a verb meaning “to restore to a normal or upright position.”
Tipped truck full of 40,000 pounds of vodka righted, Shotwell Road reopens
News & Observer
Meanwhile, the word rite is used as a noun pertaining to “a religious or other solemn ceremony or act,” “a social custom, practice, or conventional act,” or “a body of customary observances characteristic of a church or a part of it.”
Variety Of Catholic Rites In India Is Not Threat To Unity, Pope Says
The TabletLast rites of IAF Marshal Arjan Singh performed with 17-gun salute, fly past
Hindustan TimesArea students honored at ‘rite of passage’ for pharmaceutical study
The Delaware County Daily Times
On the other hand, the term write is a verb which means “to mark letters, words, or other symbols on a surface, typically paper, with a pen, pencil, or similar implement” or “to compose, write, and send a letter to someone.”
Carney poised to write ‘Dear chancellor’ letter, explaining Bank’s failure to curb inflation
The TimesPrice Plans to Write $51,800 Check for Flights on Private Jets
BloombergE.P.A. Says It Will Write a New Carbon Rule, but No One Can Say When
New York Times
Now that we’ve identified the differences between right, rite, and write, it would be easier for you to incorporate these words in your works. Keep in mind that right deals with correctness or morality, rite pertains to a custom or ritual, while write is related to composing letters or symbols. Some people write extensively about a rite they deem to be right.
