correct
Verbcorrects, correcting, corrected
Formscorrects, correcting, corrected
Pluralcorrects
- 1Free from error; in agreement with the truth or an accepted standard.
The teacher confirmed that his calculation was correct.
Only one of the four options is correct.
Oppositewrong, incorrect, inaccurate
- 2
- 3To point out to someone that they have made an error.
He corrected the reporter who had misquoted the mayor.
I hate to correct you, but the meeting is on Tuesday.
UsageTakes a person as object: correct someone politely. Set phrase: correct me if I'm wrong.
- 4Said in reply to confirm that what was just stated is right or accepted.
"So the deadline is Friday?" "Correct."
"The capital is Lisbon, right?" "Correct, you've got it."
UsageCan sound brisk or formal on its own; that's right sounds warmer in casual talk.
SimilarOK
- 5Showing good manners and behaving in line with accepted social standards.
His manners were correct, even a little stiff, throughout the ceremony.
The ambassador remained correct and courteous despite the insult.
UsageOften suggests proper, slightly stiff politeness rather than warmth: correct but distant.
Similarwell-behaved, well-mannered
Oppositeuncouth
Less common meanings
- 6
- 7To discipline or punish someone in order to improve their conduct.
In those days, masters would correct servants for the slightest fault.
She corrected the boy firmly for his rudeness.
Similardiscipline, punish, chastise, reprimand
- 8In a manner free from error; accurately and rightly.
She answered every question correct on the first try.
If I remember correct, the store closes at nine.
UsageMostly casual speech. In writing, correctly is usual: say it correctly.
Similarright, accurately, properly
- 9A response that is right; an answer free from error.
In the reading drill, the teacher charts each child's corrects per minute on a graph.
Her corrects went up every week as she practiced her math facts at home.
Showing meanings only.
Practice
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Origins
Borrowed from French correct, from Latin correctus ("improved, amended, correct"), the past participle of corrigere ("to make straight, make right, improve"), formed from con- ("together") plus a form of regere ("to rule, make straight").
Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 7 facts
- English correct was borrowed from French correct. en.wiktionary.org
- French correct derives from Latin correctus, meaning improved, amended, correct. en.wiktionary.org
- Correctus is the past participle of corrigere. en.wiktionary.org
- Corrigere means to make straight, make right, or improve. en.wiktionary.org
- Corrigere is formed from con- and a form of regere. en.wiktionary.org
- Latin con- means together. en.wiktionary.org
- Regere means to rule or make straight. en.wiktionary.org
Latin correctus gave Anglo-Norman correcter, and Middle English borrowed that as correcten.