1 rightly | Definition of rightly
Logo
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

rightly

adverb
right·​ly | \ ˈrÄ«t-lÄ“ How to pronounce rightly (audio) \

Definition of rightly

1 : in accordance with right conduct : fairly, justly
2 : in the right or proper manner : properly, fittingly
3 : according to truth or fact : correctly, exactly
Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about rightly

Keep scrolling for more

Examples of rightly in a Sentence

If I remember rightly, today is his birthday. She rightly anticipated a decline in the value of the stock. He points out, quite rightly, that there are flaws in the theory. Many people, rightly or wrongly, believe the economy will soon improve. She rightly admires his paintings. People are rightly upset about the city's rising crime rate. Quite rightly, the police commissioner is being blamed for the city's rising crime rate. She is proud of her children, and rightly so.
See More

Recent Examples on the Web

 For United, given their history, the bar is always going to be very high; and rightly so. — SI.com, "Manchester United Fans Must Have Patience With This Season's New Look Squad," 3 Sep. 2019 Many South Koreans feel, quite rightly, that Japan has not sufficiently acknowledged, let alone properly atoned for, all the horrors of its colonial rule over the Korean peninsula. — The Economist, "South Korea and Japan are taking their historical feud too far," 31 Aug. 2019 The dessert platter is rightly famous and a la carte items such as coconut parfait with passion fruit ($11) and a chocolate pot ($10.50) with candied peanuts and sesame pocky sticks are different and delicious. — Michael Mayo, sun-sentinel.com, "Review: Asian trio on Las Olas — Etaru, Red Door and Sushi Shack," 29 Aug. 2019 Bao Bar, a boba drink and bao bun concept from the owner of the market’s rightly popular stand Mama Made Thai. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "New eateries, high-profile delay among changes at Liberty Public Market," 27 Aug. 2019 In the aftermath of the almost-shooting, all of Team Tape (sans a rightly wary Zach) band together to essentially babysit Tyler at all times. — Ariana Romero, refinery29.com, "The Timeline You Need To Understand 13 Reasons Why Season 3," 24 Aug. 2019 Thus far, Colorado’s wine industry has largely been driven by its potential as a tourist attractant, and rightly so. — Stacey Mckenna, The Know, "Colorado wine is finally coming into its own," 24 Aug. 2019 As one might imagine, this adorable 4-year-old gray domestic longhair has rightly earned his name weighing in at just under 21 pounds! — Arizona Republic, azcentral, "Sumo the big kitty and more up for adoption in Phoenix-area shelters this week," 23 Aug. 2019 Legislators are rightly worried about a potentially expansive opinion on gun rights at this time. — Ephrat Livni, Quartz, "A gun law case before the US Supreme Court has Americans up in arms," 17 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'rightly.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

See More

First Known Use of rightly

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for rightly

rightly

adverb
How to pronounce rightly (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of rightly

: in a way that is correct
: for a good reason : in a way that is proper or appropriate
informal : with certainty : for sure

See the full definition for rightly in the English Language Learners Dictionary

Keep scrolling for more

More from Merriam-Webster on rightly

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with rightly

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for rightly

Spanish Central: Translation of rightly

Nglish: Translation of rightly for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of rightly for Arabic Speakers

WORD OF THE DAY

See Definitions and Examples

Get Word of the Day daily email!