correct

/kəˈrɛkt/
free from error

Your answer is correct.

Your answer has no mistakes.


general

accurate or without mistakes

She gave a correct explanation of the theory.

Her explanation of the theory contained no errors.

Used for facts, calculations, or information.

general

to make something right or accurate

Please correct your mistakes in the report.

Please fix the errors in your report.

Used when fixing errors or improving something.

formal

free from immoral or improper conduct

He led a correct and honest life.

He lived a life without wrongdoing.

Often used in moral or ethical contexts.

education

to mark errors in a piece of work for improvement

The teacher corrected the students' essays.

The teacher marked and fixed errors in the students' essays.

Common in teaching and grading contexts.

Collocations

correct answeran accurate responsecorrect mistaketo fix an errorpolitically correctavoiding offensive languagesocially correctbehaving appropriately in society

Related Phrases

correct the recordphrase
to fix a mistake in public information
correct to the nearestphrase
to round a number to the closest value

Pro Tip

When to use 'correct' vs. 'right'

'Correct' emphasizes accuracy in facts or details, while 'right' often refers to moral correctness or direction. Use 'correct' for math, grammar, or factual answers.

Gold Rule

Correct as an adjective

Describes something that is free from errors or mistakes. Example: 'The correct solution is 42.'

Correct as a verb

Means to fix mistakes or improve something. Example: 'The teacher will correct your homework.'

Word Origin

From Old French 'correct' (14th century), from Latin 'correctus', past participle of 'corrigere' meaning 'to straighten' or 'to correct', from 'com-' (together) + 'regere' (to guide or rule).

Usage Notes

The adjective 'correct' describes something without errors, while the verb means to fix mistakes. In formal contexts, 'correct' can also describe moral behavior.

Word Breakdown

cor-
together or with
prefix
+
-rect
straight or rule
root
English Dictionary