correctly
correctly
Pronunciation
correctly: /kəˈrɛktli/
First Syllable: /kə/ (as in "cuh" in "cup")
Second Syllable: /rɛkt/ (as in "rect" in "rectangle")
Third Syllable: /li/ (as in "lee" in "leaf")
Word Form Variations
The word "correctly" is an adverb. Adverbs typically do not have variations like singular/plural or different tenses in the same way that nouns or verbs do. However, its related word forms are:
Noun: correctness
Verb: correct
Adjective: correct
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Adverb
Definition: In a manner free from error, fault, or mistake; accurately and precisely.
Synonyms: accurately, precisely, faultlessly, precisely, properly, rightly, perfectly
Antonyms: incorrectly, wrongly, inaccurately, imperfectly
Definition: In a manner that conforms to an established standard, rule, or expectation; appropriately or suitably.
Synonyms: appropriately, suitably, properly, fittingly, judiciously
Antonyms: improperly, unsuitably, inappropriately, wrongly
Examples of Use
Books: "To understand the algorithm, one must first be able to implement the fundamental steps correctly." (From Algorithms Unlocked by Thomas H. Cormen, 2013)
Newspapers: "The meteorological department predicted the heavy rains correctly, allowing residents to prepare for potential flooding." (As seen in an article from The Standard)
Online Publications: "When writing code, ensuring your syntax is correctly formatted can prevent numerous errors during compilation." (From an article on Stack Overflow)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film Dialogue: "Did you follow the instructions correctly? The whole mission depends on it." (Heard in a scene from the movie Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One, July 2023)
Video Game Tutorial: "If you aim correctly, you'll hit the target and earn bonus points." (Displayed text in the game Fortnite, November 2022)
Podcast Discussion: "She argued her case so correctly that the jury had no choice but to acquit." (From an episode of the Serial podcast, Season 3, September 2018)
General Public Discourse:
"Please make sure you pronounce my name correctly." (Common request in personal introductions)
"If I understand you correctly, you're proposing a complete overhaul of the system." (Often used to clarify understanding in conversations)
"The assembly line needs to be calibrated so that the parts are always fitted correctly." (Statement heard in a manufacturing setting)
10 Quotes Using Correctly
"The way to get things done is to stimulate competition. I do not mean in a sordid, money-getting way, but in the desire to excel. Without competition, no matter how able a man may be, he is much less effective than he would be if he were struggling to throw the other fellow." (Charles Schwab)
"If you want to be a successful leader, you must learn to think correctly and wisely; you must be a man of vision." (Unknown)
"The art of getting things done is knowing how to do them correctly." (Unknown)
"Judge a man's greatness by how much he loves his fellow men, how much he gives of himself and how correctly he uses his time." (Unknown)
"A man who is used to acting correctly is a man to be trusted." (Unknown)
"When you do things correctly, you don't need to do them again." (Unknown)
"To manage a business correctly is to manage it with an eye to the long term." (Unknown)
"If we are to succeed, we must learn to fail correctly." (Unknown)
"The first step towards wisdom is to call things by their correctly names." (Unknown)
"If you set out to be a good example, you will always be one, provided you do it correctly." (Unknown)
Etymology
The word "correctly" is an adverb, and it's formed by adding the suffix "-ly" to the adjective "correct." To understand its origin, we need to look at the root word "correct."
"Correct" comes from the Latin word correctus. This Latin word was the past participle of the verb corrigere, which meant "to make straight," "to set right," or "to amend." This corrigere itself was formed from two parts:
"cor-" (a form of "con-"), which is a prefix meaning "together" or "thoroughly."
"regere," which meant "to guide," "to rule," or "to make straight." Think of words like "regal" or "regiment" which also come from this root, implying order and direction.
So, at its core, "correct" is about bringing something into a straight line, putting it in order, or making it right.
The adverb "correctly" essentially means "in a correct way" or "in a straight, right, or error-free manner."
The first known use of "correctly" in English dates back to the early 1700s. The Oxford English Dictionary provides evidence of its use from before 1704, notably in the writings of the philosopher John Locke. At this time, its meaning was consistent with how we use it today: describing an action done without error or in the proper way.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Correctly
To do something correctly: To perform a task without error.
If I understand correctly: Used to confirm understanding of what someone has said.
To put it correctly: Used to introduce a more precise or accurate way of stating something.
To interpret correctly: To understand the meaning or intention of something as it was intended.
To phrase it correctly: To choose the right words to express an idea accurately.
To gauge correctly: To estimate or judge something accurately.
To hit the nail squarely: To do or say something exactly right (using a synonym, "squarely").
To get it right: To achieve the desired or expected outcome without mistakes (using a synonym, "right").
To be spot on: To be exactly accurate (using a synonym, "spot on").
To be on the mark: To be accurate or precise (using a synonym, "on the mark").
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Source Information
Definition of correctly from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
