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

As a result, manufacturers are rightly wary of offering hackers a larger attack surface. —Chris Turlica, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

At 31, Keke Palmer is already on her second book about her life, and rightly so. —Janine Rubenstein, People.com, 30 Oct. 2024

Ten Hag can quite rightly point to winning two trophies during his time in charge at Old Trafford, more than the six Chelsea managers – caretaker and permanent – who’ve come and gone during his time. —Ben Church, CNN, 28 Oct. 2024

Catherine, quite rightly, tells him to mind his own business. —Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 25 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