Definition and meaning of English word "rights"
rights
/raɪts/
Meaning
NounLegal, social, or moral entitlements or freedoms that are guaranteed to a person or group, especially by law.
How to use
'Rights' (plural noun) refers to the legal, moral, or social entitlements that people are guaranteed, such as freedom of speech or the right to a fair trial. It is almost always used in the plural in this sense and often appears in phrases like 'civil rights' or 'human rights'. Note that 'right' can also be a verb meaning 'to correct' (e.g. 'to right a wrong'), but that is a separate, much rarer usage.
🇬🇧 English
rights
Example
Human rights must be protected and respected in every society.
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Common phrases
- human rights— human rights
- civil rights— civil rights
- violate someone's rights— to violate someone's rights
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This concept in other languages
Frequency rank: #1357 in English
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the English word "rights" mean?▼
The English word "rights" means "rights" in English.
How do you pronounce the English word "rights"?▼
You can hear the correct audio pronunciation of the word "rights" by clicking the play button next to the word at the top of this page.
Can I see an example sentence with "rights"?▼
Yes, here is a practical example: "Human rights must be protected and respected in every society." (which translates as "rights").
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