Alright

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -aɪt

Origin

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

Full definition of alright

Adjective

1. (informal) Alternative form of all righthttp://thewritepractice.com/words-that-are-not-words-alright-and-alot/http://www.writersrelief.com/blog/2008/06/standard-vs-nonstandard-phrases-and-words-with-more-than-one-spelling/http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=alrighthttp://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/all-right-versus-alright.aspxhttp://www.vappingo.com/word-blog/common-mistakes-in-english/http://oxforddictionaries.com/words/all-right-or-alright Satisfactory; okay; in acceptable order, but not necessarily completely right. Used to distinguish from "all right", which would mean "all correct".
• 1662 : Cantus, songs and fancies, to three, four, or five parts, both apt for voices and viols : with a brief introduction to musick, as is taught by Thomas Davidson, in the Musick-School of Aberdene by Thomas Davidson, iii. sig. B/1Where ever I go, both to and froYou have my heart alright.
• 1922 : 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 HughesYou did alright in your day, I reckon—But that day's gone now.
• 1939 : by James Joyce, chapter 1.40Bladyughfoulmoecklenburgwhurawhorascortastrumpapornanennykocksapastippatappatupperstrippuckputtanach, 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". Alternatively (or in addition to the previous), "Alright" may be used as a interjection à la "OK", whilst "all right" used in the sense of "unharmed, healthy".

The Oxford English Dictionary notes that, while analogous forms exist in words such as "already," "altogether," and "always," "the contracted form is strongly criticized in the vast majority of usage guides, but without cogent reasons."

"all right, adv., adj., int., and n.". OED Online. September 2012. Oxford University Press. 4 October 2012 <http://oed.com/view/Entry/5485>

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The contracted term is considered nonstandard by Garner's Modern American Usage and American Heritage Dictionary. Other dictionaries consider it incorrect or less correct than all right.

Synonyms

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