dexter
[ˈdɛk.stɛr]
The Latin word for right is dexter.
The adjective dexter is used to describe something located on the right side, serving as the direct opposite of sinister (left). It is distinct from other Latin terms for 'right' such as rectus, which means straight or correct or recte, which refers to being right in the sense of accuracy. While dexter refers to direction, the noun iūs refers to a legal or moral entitlement and the verb corrigo means to correct.
Meaning: of direction, opposite of left (adj)
Which one should you use?
dexter is used for physical direction, whereas rectus is used to describe something that is straight, upright or correct. The noun dexteritas is derived from this adjective to refer to skill or right-handedness.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective dexter must agree in gender, number and case with the noun it modifies. For example, if you are modifying a feminine noun in the accusative singular, you would use the form dexteram.
Did you know?
- In ancient heraldry, the 'dexter' side of a shield is actually the viewer's left, because it refers to the right side of the person carrying the shield.
- The Latin opposite of dexter is sinister, which gave English the word 'sinister' to mean evil or threatening.
- The word dexter shares a common prehistoric ancestor with the Sanskrit word dákṣiṇa and the Old High German zesawa.
Examples in context
- Umerus dexter meus dolet.My right shoulder hurts.This sentence uses dexter to describe a body part.Tatoeba #1346564 by alexmarcelo, translation #481812 by CK
- Exitus ostium in dextera est.The exit door is on the right.This sentence uses dexter to indicate a physical location.Tatoeba #12109122 by carlosalberto, translation #12107283 by carlosalberto
- Nesciat sinistra tua quid faciat dextera tua.Let not your left hand know what your right hand does.This sentence uses dexter as part of a proverb involving the hands.Tatoeba #7046897 by iart61, translation #13694795 by carlosalberto
- Recte feciI did it right
- Via rectaThe right/correct way
- Bene dixistiYou said it right
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Aurelia is giving directions to Quintus in a room.
- AureliaTolle manum dextram, Quinte.Raise your right hand, Quintus.
- QuintusHanc manum dextram?This right hand?
- AureliaIta, et deinde ad dextram verte.Yes, and then turn to the right.
- QuintusIam ad dextram verto.I am turning to the right now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “right” translations and entries dexter, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dexter, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
