Word
rightful
Phoneticsright·ful, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɹaɪtfəɫ/
UK/ɹˈaɪtfəl/
Definition
adj. describing something that belongs to a person because it is fair, legal, or honest.
adj. having a legitimate, legal, or moral claim to a position, property, or status. Often used to describe a return to a correct or original state.
Examples
“The stolen painting was finally returned to its rightful owner.”
“After years of legal battles, the court decided she was the rightful heir to the family estate.”
“The restoration of the monarch was seen by many as a return to the rightful order of the state after a decade of political chaos.”
Examples
simple
“The stolen painting was finally returned to its rightful owner.”
contextual
“After years of legal battles, the court decided she was the rightful heir to the family estate.”
complex
“The restoration of the monarch was seen by many as a return to the rightful order of the state after a decade of political chaos.”
Usage
Typically used attributively before a noun like 'owner', 'place', or 'heir'.
Pitfall
He is the rightly owner
He is the rightful owner
Learners often confuse the adverb 'rightly' with the adjective 'rightful' when modifying a noun.
Real-World Examples
“Russia is the only country to formally recognise their rule, and they haven't been allowed to take up what they see as their rightful seat at the UN in New York.” “They earned a reputation for helping themselves to whatever property they wanted as rightful spoils of war.” Etymology
From Middle English rightful, ryghtfull, riȝtful, from Old English *rihtfull (suggested by derivative unrihtfull (“unrightful”)), equivalent to right + -ful.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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