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

And recognition of Russian annexations is rightly considered a nonstarter for both Ukraine and its Western backers. —Samuel Charap, Foreign Affairs, 24 Dec. 2024

Best player Dewsbury-Hall was rightly named Leicester’s player of the season for the Championship success. —Rob Tanner, The Athletic, 24 Dec. 2024

The debate is increasingly framed, rightly or wrongly, as a binary choice between nuclear and renewables. —Michael Sheldrick, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024

After last week’s insanity, Outlander is rightly letting our 1778 contingent cool their jets a bit with a low-key wedding and putting Roger’s search for his father in 1739 front and center. —Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 20 Dec. 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