Rights
ˈraɪts
Definitions
2 meaningsMoral or legal entitlements to do something or to have something; freedoms, claims, or powers.
ˈraɪts
Moral or legal entitlements
Everyone is entitled to their basic human rights.
💡 Simply: Imagine you have a special permission slip that allows you to do something, like have a say in how things are run or get a fair shake. Those permission slips are your rights! For example, everyone has the right to say what they think, even if it's unpopular.
👶 For kids: Things that are fair and that everyone should have, like the right to play or be safe.
More Examples
She fought for the rights of the workers.
The government must protect the rights of its citizens.
How It's Used
"The Universal Declaration of Human Rights outlines fundamental freedoms."
"Citizens have the right to vote in democratic elections."
"The civil rights movement fought for equal rights for all."
Conforming to accepted standards of what is just, good, or proper.
ˈraɪts
Correct or just actions, principles or conduct
He always acted according to his rights.
💡 Simply: Imagine you always follow the 'rules of the game' – that means you do what is right. This is also an example where you should be given a fair and even treatment.
👶 For kids: Doing the right thing.
More Examples
The judge worked hard to uphold the rights.
It's important to teach children the difference between wrong and right.
How It's Used
"He always tried to do what was right."
Synonyms
Claims
Freedoms
Liberties
Privileges
Ethics
Fairness
Justice
Morality
Idioms & expressions
in the right
Morally or legally correct; justified.
"Even though they were angry, they knew they were in the right."
human rights
Basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person in the world, from birth until death.
"The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the United Nations."
civil rights
The rights of citizens to political and social freedom and equality.
"The civil rights movement fought for equal rights for all people regardless of their race."
From Middle English rightes, plural of righte, from Old English riht (straight, just). The meaning evolved to encompass legal and moral entitlements.
The concept of 'rights' has evolved from religious contexts to legal frameworks in Western societies, and is now used in legal and ethical discussions globally.
Memory tip
Think of a 'right' as something you are entitled to, like the right to speak your mind or the right to own property.