alright

[ awl-rahyt ]

adverb

all right.

Origin of alright

First recorded in 1660–70

usage note For alright

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.

Words that may be confused with alright

all right, alright (see usage note at the current entry)

Words Nearby alright

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use alright in a sentence

One professional firefighter who had been working in the wilderness for two weeks with no cell phone or internet connection asked a visiting journalist to send a video message to his wife telling her he was alright, and that he missed her.
Villagers in Siberia, Facing Wildfires and a Warming Climate, Battle to Protect their Homes | Alejandro de la Garza | August 26, 2021 | Time
They’re not alright and are no longer quietly going along with the program.
Forget AOC—Pelosi Has a Problem With Raging Moderates Now | Margaret Carlson | August 25, 2021 | The Daily Beast
The GOP is trying to move on, alright, from a fair and representative democracy to a fascist movement that seeks minority rule by any means necessary.
The GOP’s Plan to Move On From Jan. 6? Flood the Zone With Shit. | Wajahat Ali | May 20, 2021 | The Daily Beast
You and I turned out alright despite—not because of—Dad’s constant scolding and occasional smack.
We Need More Feminist Dads - Issue 95: Escape | Jordan Shapiro | February 3, 2021 | Nautilus
It’s probably tuberculosis in the penis, So, you’ll be alright.
How Do You Cure a Compassion Crisis? (Ep. 444) | Stephen J. Dubner | December 17, 2020 | Freakonomics

alright, alright, alright: Matthew McConaughey wasn't the only actor whose Emmy night didn't end as planned.
The Biggest Emmys Snubs and Surprises: 'Modern Family,' McConaughey, and More | Kevin Fallon | August 26, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Special points for acknowledging his co-star, Matthew McConaughey, with his signature “alright, alright, alright.”
The SAG Awards Best Speeches…And What They Mean for Oscar | Kevin Fallon | January 19, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
But yeah, I met a dude once and I was like, “You doing alright, man?”
‘Saturday Night Live’ Star Bobby Moynihan Is the ‘Chozen’ One | Kevin Fallon | January 13, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Like, “Yeah this will be crazy to rhyme on alright lets loop it up.”
Action Bronson Isn’t Your Typical Rapper | Sara Sayed | January 3, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
The weather forecast was supposed to be alright but it seems to be getting worse.
VIDEO Prince Harry Arrives in Antartica But Conditions May Yet Hamper Teams | Tom Sykes | November 25, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
Mr. Lyman came up to me, took my gun from my shoulders, looked at it and asked me if it was alright.
Fifty Years a Hunter and Trapper | Eldred Nathaniel Woodcock
A dandy horse, alright, but too high-lived for Cavalry work, and they can't break him in to it.
The Long Dim Trail | Forrestine C. Hooker
The kohlrabi were grown extensively in Germany and tasted alright but were very woody in texture.
The Biography of a Rabbit | Roy Benson
They'd p'r'aps think he was dead and they'd be sorry then alright.
More William | Richmal Crompton
"Mebbe it isn't quite regular, but if Mr. Young says it'll be alright, I'm willing," he decided finally.
The Secret of the Storm Country | Grace Miller White

British Dictionary definitions for alright

alright

/ (ɔːlˈraɪt) /

adverb, sentence substitute, adjective

a variant spelling of all right

usage For alright

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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