What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
correctness
Example
The correctness of his statement was confirmed by multiple sources. [correctness: noun]
Example
She always checks the correctness of her work before submitting it. [correctness: noun]
rightness
Example
I have a strong sense of rightness and wrongness when it comes to cheating. [rightness: noun]
Example
He felt a sense of rightness in standing up for what he believed in. [rightness: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Correctness is more commonly used than rightness in everyday language, especially in academic or technical contexts. Rightness is less common and may be considered outdated in some situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between correctness and rightness?
Correctness is generally considered more formal than rightness, which is more commonly used in personal or moral contexts.