VocabDictionary
🇬🇧English to English[that's not right]

that's not right

/ðæts nɒt raɪt/beginner Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.idiom

An expression used to indicate that a statement, fact, or action is incorrect, inaccurate, or morally inappropriate.

Example Sentences:
  • I think you calculated the total incorrectly; that's not right.
  • It feels like that's not right, given the evidence we have gathered so far.
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Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “that's not right”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

The phrase is a contraction of 'that is not right.' It combines the demonstrative pronoun 'that' (Old English 'þæt'), the copula 'is' (Old English 'is'), the negative particle 'not' (Middle English 'not'), and the adjective 'right' (Old English 'riht,' meaning straight, just, or correct). It evolved as a standard idiomatic expression in Middle English to denote factual inaccuracy or moral impropriety.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of a 'wrong' sign: If you see a sign pointing the wrong way, you immediately say, 'That's not right!'

Frequently Asked Questions About “that's not right

1. What is the meaning of “that's not right” in English?

In English, that's not right (idiom) is defined as: “An expression used to indicate that a statement, fact, or action is incorrect, inaccurate, or morally inappropriate.”.

2. How do you use “that's not right” in a sentence?

I think you calculated the total incorrectly; that's not right.

3. What are English synonyms of “that's not right”?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “that's not right”?

The phrase is a contraction of 'that is not right.' It combines the demonstrative pronoun 'that' (Old English 'þæt'), the copula 'is' (Old English 'is'), the negative particle 'not' (Middle English 'not'), and the adjective 'right' (Old English 'riht,' meaning straight, just, or correct). It evolved as a standard idiomatic expression in Middle English to denote factual inaccuracy or moral impropriety.