‘Right’ vs ‘Write’ vs ‘Rite’ vs ‘Wright’: What’s the Difference?

This group of homophones is particularly tricky because there are four of them – ‘right,’ ‘write,’ ‘rite,’ and ‘wright.’ They all sound the same but mean different things. So, what’s the difference? We’ll go over that in detail, plus teach you how to use them all correctly in a sentence.

Need a quick answer? Here’s the difference:

• ‘Right’ can be used as an adverb, adjective, verb, or noun. It also has a few meanings. It can mean the opposite of wrong, something that’s correct or moral, or it can be a civil or moral right. It can also mean to avenge, vindicate, or obtain justice for.
• ‘Write’ is a verb and means to create symbols or letters using a writing instrument, such as a pen.
• ‘Rite’ is a noun and refers to the words or actions of a ritual or ceremony.
• ‘Wright’ is a noun and means a skilled worker (typically a builder or maker), such as a playwright, a wheelwright, or a shipwright.

As you know, these are all homophones, which means they sound the same but mean different things. Avoid using them interchangeably.

‘Right’ vs. ‘Rite’ vs. ‘Wright’ vs. ‘Write’ 

As you just learned, these words are homophones, meaning they all sound exactly the same, but they mean different things.

‘Right’ is a word that can be used as an adverb, adjective, verb, or noun. It can mean the opposite of wrong, something that’s correct or moral, or it can be a civil or moral right. It can also mean to avenge, vindicate, or obtain justice for.

‘Rite’ is a noun and refers to the words or actions of a ritual or ceremony. You might hear someone say they’re going to read someone’s last rites.

You might also hear someone refer to a rite of passage, which is a ceremony or event that marks an important stage in someone’s life, such as a Bar Mitzvah or a wedding.

Wright’ is a noun and refers to a skilled worker (typically a builder or maker), such as a playwright, a wheelwright, or a shipwright.

Write’ is a verb and means to form letters, words, and sentences on a piece of paper or on a wall with a pencil, pen, marker, or other writing instruments. It could also refer to typing words on a computer screen.

‘Right, Rite, Wright and Write’ – How to Choose the Right Word 

You know the words all mean different things, but how do you choose the right word?

Here’s how.

First, learn how to use each word.

How to Use ‘Right’ 

Use ‘right’ when talking about right or wrong or someone’s right to do something. You can also use it to mean avenge, vindicate, or obtain justice for.

How to Use ‘Write’

Use ‘write’ when you or someone else is using some kind of writing utensil (pencil, pen, fingers, etc.) to write something down on paper (or on-screen).

How to Use ‘Rite’

Use ‘rite’ when discussing rites of passage or a ceremony or event.

How to Use ‘Wright’

Use ‘wright’ as a noun and always when referring to a person that builds, repairs, or creates something.

Definition and Meaning of ‘Right

The Merriam-Webster definition of ‘right’ is:

• Righteous, upright, being in accordance with what is good, correct, appropriate, genuine, and real. It might also refer to the opposite of left.
• It could also mean immediate or to do justice to.

Definition and Meaning of ‘Write’ 

The same dictionary defines ‘write’ as:

• To form (characters, symbols, etc.) on a surface with a written instrument (such as a pen) or to spell in writing.

You can write things like stories, novels, essays, movie scripts, TV shows, business reports, blog posts, and so much more.

Definition and Meaning of ‘Rite’

‘Rite’ is defined as:

• A ceremonial act or action or a division of the Christian church using a distinctive liturgy.
• It also means a prescribed form or manner governing the words or actions for a ceremony.

Definition and Meaning of ‘Wright’

The definition of ‘wright’ is:

• A worker skilled in the manufacture, especially of wooden objects.

Pronunciation: How to Pronounce ‘Right,’ ‘Write,’ ‘Rite,’ and ‘Wright’ 

Are you unsure of how to pronounce these words? We can help.

To pronounce all these words correctly, here’s the phonetic spelling:

RYT

How to Use ‘Right,’ ‘Write,’ ‘Rite,’ and ‘Wright’ in a Sentence

We finally have a clearer picture of what the difference is between each of these homophones, but now it’s time to see some example sentences so you can create some of your own.

Right

• I’m so grateful for my new dress. It goes perfectly with my new Fenty makeup and lip gloss.
• You have no right to come in here and yell at me like that. What’s gotten into you lately?
• It doesn’t matter who’s right and who’s wrong. What matters is that we treat each other with respect.
• It’s not right to keep your kids away from their father. They should know both of their parents equally.

Write 

• I love to write fiction. It’s something I’ve wanted to do since I was a kid.
• Did you write that essay in the school newspaper? It was fantastic!
• I just started to write my second short story, but I need a synonym for ‘smiled.’ I don’t want to keep using the same word.
• I want to learn how to write thriller novels. I want to be the next Stephen King.

Rite

• A wedding can be considered a rite of passage.
• The rites of passage ceremony took place on an island. It was beautiful.
• My son’s Bar Mitzvah was his rites of passage ceremony for becoming a man.
• In religious rites, incense are sometimes burned.

Wright

• My son is going to be a playwright. He’s already written two scripts – a feature-length script and a TV pilot.
• The wright constructed an exact replica of The Pyramids of Giza. It was incredible.
• I never knew my job considered me a wright.
• I worked with a new wright on the 31^st. It wasn’t too bad.

Concluding Thoughts on ‘Right,’ ‘Write,’ ‘Rite’ and ‘Wright’

To recap, we learned that the difference is:

• ‘Right’ can be used as an adverb, adjective, verb, or noun. It might mean the opposite of wrong, something that’s moral or correct, or it might refer to a civil or moral right. It can also mean to avenge, vindicate, or obtain justice.
• ‘Write’ is a verb and means to form letters or symbols on paper or on screen.
• ‘Rite’ is a noun and means words or actions of a ritual or ceremony.
• ‘Wright’ is a noun and refers to a skilled worker (typically a builder or maker), such as a playwright, a wheelwright, or a shipwright.

Remember, these words are homophones, which means they sound the same, but they mean different things. Don’t use them interchangeably in your writing.

If you ever get stuck on something, you can always feel free to revisit what you learned. In fact, it’s highly recommended. Come back and review whatever you need to and browse our library of content on confusing words. You might find it helpful while you’re learning some of the toughest words in the English language. Go check it out anytime.