WordGarden.iorightfully
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /rˈaɪtfəli/
US
- /ˈraɪtfəli/
Meanings
Adverb
by right or with a legitimate claim
with good reason; deservedly
Beyond the definition
Imagine a king giving up his throne. If his son then rightfully inherits the crown, it means he is entitled to it through family line and tradition; he has a proper claim to rule. "Rightfully" refers to something being done in a way that is correct, fair, or lawful. It suggests that someone deserves something, or that an action is justified. You might say a detective rightfully arrested a suspect when the evidence was overwhelming, or that a student rightfully earned an A+ on an exam after working hard.
The word "rightfully" describes something done, received, or possessed in a way that matches what is morally correct, legally just, or fairly deserved. It is more than simply being allowed to have something; it implies a claim based on fairness and proper procedure. Think of it as the opposite of unfairly or illegally.
You might hear "rightfully" used when discussing ownership: "She rightfully owns the land because she inherited it from her parents." Or in situations involving justice: "The jury found him guilty, and he was rightfully convicted." It can also describe a feeling of entitlement based on merit: "After years of dedicated service, he felt rightfully proud of his accomplishments."
"Rightfully" isn't just about legal rights; it extends to moral claims as well. If someone helps you in a time of need, you might feel they rightfully deserve your gratitude. It's a word that carries weight, suggesting something is not only permitted but also deserved and justified.
So, when something happens "rightfully," it is based on what is fair, just, and properly earned - a situation where things are as they should be according to fairness and law.
Examples
- 1
Legal ownership
The house was returned to the family that rightfully owned it.
- 2
Recognition
She believes her work was rightfully recognized at last.
- 3
Deserved credit
The credit should rightfully go to the nurses who stayed through the crisis.
- 4
Public anger
Residents were rightfully angry when the city cut bus service without warning.
- Phraserightfully angry
angry for a good reason
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Agreement phrase
People criticized the ruling, and rightfully so.
- Phraserightfully so
with good reason
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- rightfully so
- rightfully belongs to
- rightfully proud
- rightfully angry
Word family
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Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- rightfullyadverb