alright

American  

[awl-rahyt] / ɔlˈraɪt /

adverb

1. all right.

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alright British  

/ ɔːlˈraɪt /

adverb

1. a variant spelling of all right

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Spelling

The form alright as a one-word spelling of the phrase all right in all of its senses probably arose by analogy with such words as already and altogether. Although alright is a common spelling in written dialogue and in other types of informal writing, all right is used in more formal, edited writing.

Usage

The form alright, though very common, is still considered by many people to be wrong or less acceptable than all right

Etymology

Origin of alright

First recorded in 1660–70

Explanation

Alright is the informal way of writing "all right." It can stand in for "okay," like the sandwich you had for lunch that was just alright — it was neither great nor terrible. In a nutshell, alright means "fine" or "satisfactory": "Are the kids alright on that Ferris wheel?" You can use it to show that you agree with something someone said: "Oh alright, I get it." This one-word spelling of "all right" is okay when texting with your friends, but don't use it when you are looking to impress, such as in a thank-you letter following a job interview.

Example Sentences

"His bowling, he was throwing it but it was alright," Mahmood laughed.

From BBC • Jun. 30, 2026

There is no tidy ending, or even a sense that everything will be alright.

From Salon • Jun. 29, 2026

"It's was a good night for the fans and my boys are alright."

From BBC • Jun. 14, 2026

And if you plan to mark the occasion all by your lonesome, that’s alright, too.

From Salon • Jun. 4, 2026

“It’s alright if you want a change your mind.”

From "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett