Not Right: Definition, Synonyms, and Usage
“Not Right” – Definition and Part of Speech
The phrase not right can function as an adjective or an idiom depending on its context. As an adjective, it often describes something that is incorrect, faulty, or improper. When used idiomatically, it implies discomfort, illness, or dissatisfaction without specifying a particular issue.
Examples:
- Adjective: “This equation doesn’t seem right.”
- Idiom: “Something about this room feels not right.”
Core Synonyms
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incorrect | Describes something that is wrong or erroneous. | “His calculations are incorrect.” | Formal/Informal, Business |
| Awry | Indicates something has gone wrong or off course. | “The project plans went awry last minute.” | Informal/Casual |
| Off | Used to indicate something amiss or faulty. | “Her performance felt a bit off today.” | Casual/Informal, Creative |
| Unusual | Refers to something that is not typical. | “His behavior was unusual for such an occasion.” | Academic/Casual |
| Amiss | Implies there is something wrong or suspicious. | “Something seems amiss with the report.” | Formal/Informal, Business |
Usage Notes
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Incorrect: Often used in academic and professional settings to denote errors that need correction.
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Usage: “The hypothesis was found to be incorrect after further testing.”
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Awry: Commonly employed in informal contexts when describing plans or events that have encountered unexpected difficulties.
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Usage: “Our vacation plans went awry due to the storm.”
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Off: Frequently used in casual speech and creative writing to describe something that feels out of place or not functioning as expected.
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Usage: “The car sounds a bit off, maybe it’s time for a tune-up.”
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Unusual: Suitable for academic writing and formal discussions when highlighting deviations from the norm.
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Usage: “In this experiment, the results were unusually high compared to previous trials.”
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Amiss: Applicable in both formal and informal contexts, often used to convey suspicion or concern about a situation’s integrity.
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Usage: “The manager sensed something was amiss with the recent financial statements.”
Common Pitfalls
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Mixing Incorrect with Awry: While both can indicate problems, “incorrect” is more specific to factual errors, whereas “awry” implies an issue has derailed plans or expectations.
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Using Off in Formal Writing: The word “off” may sound too informal for academic papers unless used with a specific technical meaning (e.g., off-target).
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Unusual vs. Uncommon: While they are similar, “unusual” often carries connotations of being unexpected or strange, whereas “uncommon” merely indicates rarity.
Final Recap
In exploring synonyms for not right, we’ve examined “incorrect,” “awry,” “off,” “unusual,” and “amiss.” Each synonym offers distinct nuances that can help convey more precise meanings across various contexts. By practicing the use of these synonyms in writing and conversation, one can enhance clarity and expressiveness.
Remember:
- Incorrect is best for factual or error-related contexts.
- Use awry when something has gone wrong with plans or expectations.
- Opt for off in casual dialogue to indicate a lack of typical behavior or function.
- Unusual suits formal situations that require highlighting deviations from norms.
- Choose amiss for suggesting suspicion or concern about integrity.
Encourage yourself to try these synonyms out, crafting sentences and scenarios where they fit naturally. This practice will not only expand your vocabulary but also sharpen your communication skills across different registers.