droite

Droite is a French noun with several related but distinct senses. It commonly denotes the right-hand side or the direction toward which one faces, as in tourner à droite (turn to the right) or être sur la droite d’un appareil (to be on the right side of a device). The masculine form to describe the same concepts is droit, which also appears in other senses such as law (droit) and straightness (droit). In everyday language, droite is often paired with gauche to indicate opposite directions or sides.

In geometry, la droite designates a straight line. It is used to name lines in diagrams and proofs, for example la droiteAB is the line through points A and B. A droite is one-dimensional, extending indefinitely in both directions, and it contrasts with other geometric objects such as segments, rays, and curves. The expression ligne droite is a common way to refer to a straight line in more colloquial contexts.

In politics, la droite refers to the right wing of the political spectrum. It encompasses conservative, center-right, and liberal-conservative movements, typically emphasizing tradition, property rights, free market principles, and a limited role for the state. In France, la droite is the generic label for the mainstream right, often contrasted with la gauche, the left. The term can also be used more broadly to describe right-leaning positions within a country’s political landscape or discourse.

Usage notes: be mindful of gender and meaning when selecting droit vs droite. The context—direction, geometry, or politics—determines the appropriate sense.