rightful

[ rahyt-fuhl ]

adjective

1. having a valid or just claim, as to some property or position; legitimate:

   the rightful owner of the farm.

2. belonging or held by a valid or just claim:

   one's rightful property.

3. equitable or just, as actions or a cause.
4. proper; appropriate; fitting.

rightful

/ ˈraɪtfʊl /

adjective

1. in accordance with what is right; proper or just
2. prenominal having a legally or morally just claim

   the rightful owner

3. prenominal held by virtue of a legal or just claim

   my rightful property

Derived Forms

• ˈrightfulness, noun
• ˈrightfully, adverb

Other Words From

• rightful·ly adverb
• rightful·ness noun
• un·rightful adjective
• un·rightful·ly adverb
• un·rightful·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of rightful¹

First recorded before 1150; Middle English; late Old English rihtful; right (noun), -ful

Example Sentences

Currently, 80 repatriated artefacts are housed in a special gallery of the National Museum of Nepal, waiting to undergo restoration before being returned to their rightful places.

From BBC

The councillor questioned whether the portrait being damaged was "in any way linked" to the "rightful removal" of Mr Ó Donnghaile's portrait.

From BBC

In 1999, the Taliban, an Islamic fundamentalist movement that emerged triumphant from the Afghan civil war, wanted to legitimize themselves on the world stage as the rightful rulers of this mountainous land.

From Salon

Women will be returned to their rightful place on the honorable pedestals of motherhood and wifely servitude.

From Salon

In his lawsuit, Davidov sought to be named the rightful owner of the ball and to prevent its sale by any of the other parties.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• deserved
• lawful
• proper