Dictionary

rightfully en · ADV

Pronunciation

• (US) audio
• /ˈɹaɪtfəli/

Etymology

From Middle English ryghtefully, equivalent to rightful + -ly.

Meanings

1. In accordance with what is right or just.
   • [T]he only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others. His own good, either physical or moral, is not a sufficient warrant. 1859, John Stuart Mill, “Introductory”, in On Liberty, London: John W[illiam] Parker and Son, […], →OCLC, page 22:
   • Near-synonym: fairly
2. Rightly, correctly.
   • Ne euer will it [King Arthur's sword] breake, ne euer bend. / Wherefore Morddure it rightfully is hight. 1590, Edmund Spenser, “Book II, Canto VIII”, in The Faerie Queene. […], London: […] [John Wolfe] for William Ponsonbie, →OCLC, stanza 21, page 296:

Forms

Antonyms

falsely · wrongfully · inaccurately · wrongly · wrongly · unrightfully · incorrectly

Relateds

rightly so · arightly · rightly · serve someone right · righteously · damn right

Synonyms

fairly · truly · accurately · justly