Right vs Rite
Right and rite are two English words having same pronunciation but different meanings. This creates confusion in the minds of people having limited knowledge of the language when they hear either of the two words in a conversation. This article attempts to remove all doubts by highlighting the meanings of the two words that are homophones.
Right
Right is an English word that has several meanings, and it can be a noun as well as a verb. The most common meaning of right is correct as opposed to wrong which happens to be its antonym. There is another meaning of right that indicates the direction one is taking. There are also right and left hands in the body of individual as well as right and left eyes that indicate the location of the body parts. Right also happens to be a privilege or something that is due to a person by birth or by being a citizen of a country. Following examples will make it clear how to use the word right under different circumstances and contexts.
• What is the right way to operate this gadget?
• Take the right direction from the next square to reach your destination
• There are fundamental rights provided by the constitution to all citizens of the country
• The teacher was happy with the right answer written by the student
• This is not the right way to talk to your parents.
• Are you a right hander or a left hander?
• You must get the right opinion from an attorney
Rite
Rite is a word that means ceremonies or rituals as prevalent in a religion or faith. Thus, a rite is a ceremonial act and requires observation by the people following that religion or faith. The following examples make clear as to how to use this word while speaking English.
• As a boy becomes a man, he has to pass through a rite in many religions of the world
• The rite of baptism is an important occasion in the life of a Christian
• Among Hindus, the first time the head of a boy is shaved is an important rite called Mundan ceremony
What is the difference between Right and Rite?
• Right is correct, proper, a direction, as well as something that an individual has by birth or by being a citizen of a country and that cannot be taken away by a government.
• Rite has a very restrictive meaning that of a ceremony as prescribed by a religion or a faith.
• Right is the antonym of wrong.
• Think of religion or faith when you hear the word rite.