Wrong

Definition

Wrong is an adjective, adverb, noun, and verb that describes something that is incorrect, unjust, or immoral. It can refer to mistakes, injustices, or improper actions.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Adverb
• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /rɔːŋ/ or /rɑːŋ/
• Respelling: rawng or rahng

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /rɒŋ/
• Respelling: rong

Etymology

The word "wrong" originates from Old English "wrang," meaning "crooked or unjust," and Old Norse "vrangr," meaning "awry or perverse." The term has Germanic roots in Proto-Germanic "*wrangaz," meaning "crooked," and is related to the Proto-Indo-European root "*wreik-," meaning "to turn or bend."

Derivatives

• Wrongful (adjective)
• Wrongly (adverb)
• Wrongness (noun)
• Wrongdoer (noun)
• Wrongdoing (noun)

Synonyms

• Incorrect
• Unjust
• Improper

Antonyms

• Correct
• Just
• Right

Usage

As an adjective, "wrong" describes something incorrect or inappropriate. For example, "Your answer is wrong."

As an adverb, it describes actions done incorrectly. For example, "You spelled the word wrong."

As a noun, it refers to an act of injustice or error. For example, "He seeks to right the wrongs of his past."

As a verb, it means to treat someone unjustly or unfairly. For example, "She felt she had been wronged by the decision."

Related Terms

• Error: A mistake or inaccuracy.
• Injustice: A lack of fairness or equity.
• Fault: Responsibility for a mistake or wrongdoing.

Detailed Definitions

Adjective

• Not correct or accurate: Refers to something factually or logically incorrect.
  • Example: "That is the wrong answer to the question."
• Unjust or immoral: Describes an action that is ethically or legally improper.
  • Example: "It is wrong to cheat in an exam."

Adverb

• In an incorrect or improper manner: Refers to actions performed inaccurately.
  • Example: "You turned the key wrong."

Noun

• An act of injustice or mistake: Refers to an error or moral failing.
  • Example: "She strives to right the wrongs in her community."

Verb

• To treat someone unfairly: Refers to causing harm or injustice to another.
  • Example: "He felt wronged by the accusation."