alright

English

Etymology

From all +‎ right. Compare Old English eallriht (“all-right, just, exactly”), equivalent to al- (“all”) +‎ right.

Pronunciation

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• Rhymes: -aɪt

Adjective

alright (not comparable)

1. Alternative spelling of all right. Satisfactory; okay; in acceptable order, but not necessarily completely right.
   • 1922 : Ulysses by James Joyce, chapter 18

     …if I went by his advices every blessed hat I put on does that suit me yes take that thats alright the one like a wedding cake standing up miles off my head…

   • 1932 : "Goodbye, Christ" by Langston Hughes

     You did alright in your day, I reckon—

     But that day's gone now.

   • 1939 : Finnegans Wake by James Joyce, chapter 1.40

     Bladyughfoulmoecklenburgwhurawhorascortastrumpapornanennykocksapastippatappatupperstrippuckputtanach, eh? You have it alright.

   • 2000 : House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski, page 105

     "You're alright Johnny," she said in a way that actually made him feel alright. At least for a little while.

Alternative forms

• all right
• awright

Usage notes

Some distinguish between "alright" and "all right" by using "alright" to mean "fine, good, okay" and "all right" to mean "all correct"; however, the contracted term is considered nonstandard.

Synonyms

• (satisfactory): acceptable, adequate, fine, good enough, OK/okay, passable, satisfactory, sufficient, suitable