# rightfully

/ˈɹaɪtfəɫi/ (US) · /ɹˈaɪtfəli/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/rightfully
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

in a way that is fair, legal, or morally correct. You use this when you believe someone deserves what they have or what is happening to them.

For teachers: in accordance with what is just, legal, or morally proper. Often used to emphasize a claim to ownership or a deserved outcome.

## Examples

- The trophy rightfully belongs to the winning team.
- After years of hard work, she was rightfully promoted to the position of director.
- The court ruled that the land rightfully belonged to the original inhabitants, ending a decades-long legal battle over property rights.

## Usage notes

- Often placed before the verb it modifies or at the beginning of a sentence to provide a moral or legal evaluation of the situation.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.