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

Facing down anti-abortions politicians in Louisiana and Texas who want to export their policies here, Gov. Hochul is rightly refusing, asserting New York’s right to set its own laws. —New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 17 Feb. 2025

With the leadership transition and mounting financial strain, parents rightly fear their children will pay the price. —Sendhil Revuluri, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2025

The supporters, rightly, adore their Spanish manager. —Jacob Tanswell, The Athletic, 16 Feb. 2025

Castle was rightly praised all across the board for closing strong. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 16 Feb. 2025

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

Rhymes for rightly

• brightly
• knightly
• lightly
• nightly
• sightly
• slightly
• sprightly
• tightly
• whitely
• forthrightly
• fortnightly
• politely

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