guide right: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, literary, slightly dated
Quick answer
What does “guide right” mean?
A physical sensation of correctness or propriety, often experienced as a feeling in the body indicating the right course of action.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A physical sensation of correctness or propriety, often experienced as a feeling in the body indicating the right course of action.
An intuitive sense of what is morally, ethically, or practically correct; a gut feeling that something is appropriate.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is more likely to be encountered in older or more formal British literature. In American English, it is extremely rare and would be considered highly stylised or archaic.
Connotations
In British English, it connotes old-fashioned wisdom, gentlemanly conduct, or an aristocratic sense of honour. In American English, if used, it might be perceived as affected or consciously borrowing a British tone.
Frequency
Low frequency in both varieties, but marginally higher in British English due to historical literary use.
Grammar
How to Use “guide right” in a Sentence
[Subject] has/had a guide right that [clause]It was guide right to [infinitive]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “guide right” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was guided right by his conscience.
adjective
British English
- She possessed a guide-right conviction about the matter.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Rare, possibly in philosophical or ethical discussions about intuition.
Everyday
Not used in contemporary speech.
Technical
Not applicable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “guide right”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “guide right”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “guide right”
- Using it as an imperative ('Guide right!').
- Confusing it with 'right guide' (a correct manual).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a rare, formal, and somewhat archaic expression.
No, it functions as a noun phrase (e.g., 'a guide right'). The verb form would be 'to guide'.
'Guide right' strongly implies a moral or ethical dimension, whereas 'intuition' can be purely practical or instinctive.
Generally no, unless aiming for a specific, dated, or highly stylised literary effect. More common synonyms are preferable.
A physical sensation of correctness or propriety, often experienced as a feeling in the body indicating the right course of action.
Guide right is usually formal, literary, slightly dated in register.
Guide right: in British English it is pronounced /ɡaɪd raɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡaɪd raɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A gut feeling”
- “A sixth sense”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'guide' showing you the 'right' path; the feeling itself becomes your personal guide.
Conceptual Metaphor
MORALITY/INTUITION IS A PHYSICAL SENSATION (felt in the body).
Practice
Quiz
'Guide right' primarily refers to: