Drejtë

Drejtë is a word in Albanian with several related meanings that revolve around the ideas of straightness, directness, and propriety. It is commonly used as an adjective meaning straight or direct, describing physical lines, paths, or actions that proceed without detour. In addition, drejtë functions as an adverb indicating directness or immediacy, often translating to directly in English. The term can also carry moral or normative sense, referring to fairness, propriety, or rightful conduct, and it is etymologically linked to the concept of justice, as seen in the related noun drejtësi (justice). In usage, drejtë appears in standard Albanian across dialects and registers, from everyday speech to formal writing, and it can form part of compound expressions related to direction, behavior, and law. The precise boundary among its senses is contextual; the term is versatile in describing not only physical straightness but also integrity or legitimacy. Etymologically, drejtë is a core Albanian word with cognates in related Albanian vocabulary, reflecting ancient semantic fields around direction and fairness. See also: drejtësi (justice); drejt (towards).