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

Americans rightly pride themselves on the principle of equal justice. —Melissa Ohden, National Review, 24 Jan. 2025

The doc possesses a flexible form that rightly insists the rest of us lean in. —Lisa Kennedy, Variety, 24 Jan. 2025

Unlike tobacco, which has long been pinned as a cancer-causer (and rightly so), alcohol has flown under the radar in that realm. —Erica Sloan, SELF, 23 Jan. 2025

Printing his opinion piece is akin to the misinformation that good journalists rightly seek to counter. —Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 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

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