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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
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
rootEnglish Dictionary