correct

correct — adjective

1. Having no mistakes and saying the same thing as what is actually true or what mo

1.adjectiveA2
Definition

Having no mistakes and saying the same thing as what is actually true or what most people see as right.

Example

Camila gave the correct answer to every question on the maths test.

collocation: correct answer

Is it correct to call this plant a cactus or is it a succulent?

pattern: correct + to-infinitive (checking accuracy)

Common collocations
  • correct answer
  • correct time
  • correct information
  • correct spelling
  • correct response
  • correct measurement
Synonyms
  • right

    More common in everyday speech than 'correct'; interchangeable in most factual contexts

  • accurate

    Emphasises exactness and precision, often used for measurements or detailed information

  • true

    Focuses on agreement with facts or reality rather than freedom from mistakes

Antonyms
  • incorrect

    The direct formal opposite; common in academic and professional contexts

  • wrong

    The most common everyday opposite of 'correct'

Grammar Patterns

correct + noun

it is correct + to-infinitive

it is correct that + clause

Usage Note

The opposite is 'incorrect' or 'wrong'. Use this sense for facts, answers, measurements, calculations, and statements of truth. 'Right' can often replace 'correct' in informal contexts.

Common Mistakes

The time on my phone is right correct.
The time on my phone is correct.
Do not use both 'right' and 'correct' together; they mean the same thing.
He gave a correct reply that surprised everyone.' (vague)
He gave the correct reply during the quiz and won a point.
Use 'correct' for specific, verifiable facts, not just any appropriate response.

2. Following the accepted rules of social behaviour, so that what you do or say is

2.adjectiveB1
Definition

Following the accepted rules of social behaviour, so that what you do or say is seen as suitable for the situation.

Example

Devika's grandmother reminded her it is not considered correct to interrupt guests at formal dinners.

pattern: it is considered correct + to-infinitive (social norms)

Eshe wore a formal suit because correct dress was expected at the award ceremony.

collocation: correct dress/clothes/attire

Common collocations
  • correct behaviour
  • correct dress
  • correct grammar
  • correct manners
  • correct form
  • correct procedure
Synonyms
  • proper

    Very close in meaning; 'proper' is slightly stronger and more about what is morally or traditionally right

  • appropriate

    Focuses on suitability for a particular situation rather than universal social rules

  • acceptable

    A weaker alternative; something that is tolerated but not necessarily fully approved

Antonyms
  • incorrect

    Direct opposite; 'incorrect behaviour' means behaviour that breaks social rules

  • inappropriate

    Common opposite for this sense; emphasises that something does not fit the situation

Grammar Patterns

correct + noun

it is considered correct + to-infinitive

it is not correct + to-infinitive

Usage Note

Frequently used negatively ('not correct') to describe socially unacceptable behaviour. This sense overlaps with 'proper' more than 'right' does. The noun form 'correctness' is common in discussions of social or political appropriateness.

Common Mistakes

It is not correct to eat with your mouth open.' (too direct)
In many societies, it is not considered correct to eat with your mouth open.
The social-propriety sense very often appears with 'considered' to soften the statement.
His correct suit impressed everyone.
His correct attire for the occasion impressed everyone.
Use 'correct' for the suitability of the dress code, not the quality of the clothing.
Idioms

all present and correct

idiom

Everyone or everything that is supposed to be in a place is there.

The teacher checked the list and said we were all present and correct.

Before the flight, the pilot announced that all passengers were all present and correct.

correct — verb

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/1

'Correct', 'rectify', 'fix', and 'amend' all involve making something right, but they differ in formality and context. 'Correct' is the most common and versatile word, used for errors in information, behaviour, methods, or alignment — from a spelling mistake to a faulty posture. 'Rectify' is more formal and suggests a serious problem or situation that needs to be put right, such as a policy error or a legal issue. 'Fix' is the most informal and can apply to physical objects (fix a bike) as well as abstract problems (fix a relationship). 'Amend' is narrower — it means making small improvements or changes to a document, law, or text, not necessarily fixing errors. For example: The teacher corrected the student's essay. The government rectified the unfair policy. Hiro fixed the broken chair. The committee amended the contract to include a new clause.

correct ↗rectifyfix ↗amend ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

  • absolutely correct
  • completely correct
  • perfectly correct
  • essentially correct
  • mostly correct
  • politically correct

Phrases

Prepositions

  • for (correct for a factor)

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

'Correct' comes from Latin 'correctus', the past participle of 'corrigere', which means 'to make straight, set right, or put in order'. 'Corrigere' is made from 'com-' (a prefix meaning 'together' or 'thoroughly') and 'regere' (meaning 'to lead straight, guide, rule'). The word entered English through Old French 'correcter' in the 1300s. The adjective and verb forms both appeared around the same time, and the sense of social propriety (behaving correctly) developed in the 1700s.