rightly

adverb

right·​ly ˈrīt-lē 

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

• appositely
• appropriately
• congruously
• correctly
• duly
• fittingly
• happily
• meetly
• properly
• right
• suitably

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.

Recent Examples on the Web

While Raphinha was essentially put up for sale, Lewandowski was seen by many as past it after losing the Pichichi with the only real buzz quite rightly surrounding prodigious teen talent Lamine who had just returned from winning the Euros with Spain. —Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024

The film rightly credits Williams with almost single-handedly saving the orchestral film score, a tradition on its way out as synthesizers, jazz and pop songs came to dominate soundtracks. —Peter Debruge, Variety, 24 Oct. 2024

And perhaps rightly so: Owen suggested that Kwan could assist Ben. —Charlie Mason, TVLine, 17 Oct. 2024

And, quite rightly, she was treated as an adult on set as well. —Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing rightly

• if (my) memory serves me (correctly/right/rightly)
• not rightly

Kids Definition

rightly

adverb

right·​ly ˈrīt-lē 

1

: in agreement with right conduct

2

: in the right or proper manner

3

: in agreement with truth or fact