Rightward

Rightward is an English directional term used as both an adverb and an adjective to indicate movement, orientation, or extension toward the right-hand side. It is used in contexts such as geometry, navigation, and analysis to describe a direction relative to a defined frame of reference.

In geometry and physics, a rightward displacement or force acts toward the positive horizontal direction of the chosen coordinate system. In everyday language, rightward describes a turn, movement, or extension that proceeds to the right. In writing about politics or social policy, rightward describes tendencies associated with the political right; a rightward shift means a move toward more conservative or right-wing positions.

Etymology and usage notes: rightward is formed from the adjective right with the directional suffix -ward, a pattern shared with leftward and eastward. It is more common in technical, academic, or formal prose than in casual speech, where phrases like 'to the right' or 'toward the right' may be preferred. Related terms include leftward, eastward, westward, upward, and downward.