rightly

[ rahyt-lee ]

adverb

1. in accordance with truth or fact; correctly:

   to see rightly; to understand rightly.

2. in accordance with morality or equity; uprightly.
3. properly, fitly, or suitably:

   to be rightly dressed.

4. Informal. with certainty; positively:

   I can't rightly say.

rightly

/ ˈraɪtlɪ /

adverb

1. in accordance with the facts; correctly
2. in accordance with principles of justice or morality
3. with good reason; justifiably

   he was rightly annoyed with her

4. properly or suitably; appropriately

   rightly dressed for a wedding

5. informal.
   used with a negative with certainty; positively or precisely (usually in the phrases I don't rightly know, I can't rightly say )

Word History and Origins

Origin of rightly¹

before 900; Middle English; Old English rihtlīce. See right, -ly

Example Sentences

Ravens says that "people are much more sensitive" about targeting certain aspects of people's appearances and mannerisms "than they used to be earlier on in my career, for example, and I think rightly so".

From BBC

Any other policy that unfairly disadvantages people based on characteristics over which they have no meaningful control, such as their ethnicity, race, sex, gender, religious upbringing or native language, would rightly be deemed unacceptable.

From Los Angeles Times

Emery has been rightly commended for turning Villa from relegation battlers into Champions League contenders since he was appointed in October 2022.

From BBC

The offence that was reported to the force was serious, and the public would rightly expect officers to make all relevant inquiries and gather evidence.

From BBC

The police lead for the national response said the report "rightly praises the efforts" of officers and staff, adding the recommendations will be considered.

From BBC

Related Words

• accurately
• appropriately
• correctly
• exactly
• fairly
• justly
• properly
• truly