# rightly

/ˈɹaɪtɫi/ (US) · /ɹˈaɪtli/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/rightly
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

in a way that is fair, correct, or morally good. You use this when you agree with an action or a decision.

For teachers: in a manner that is morally or factually correct; justifiably. Often used to express the speaker's agreement with a specific outcome or judgment.

## Examples

- The judge rightly decided to dismiss the case.
- Many people felt that the local hero was rightly rewarded for his bravery during the flood.
- The committee rightly concluded that the project was no longer viable, saving the organization from further financial losses that would have been impossible to recover.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He rightly did the math" but "He did the math correctly" — While 'rightly' means 'justifiably' or 'fairly', learners often use it when they mean 'correctly' or 'accurately' in a technical sense.

## Usage notes

- As a sentence adverb, it often appears at the start of a clause or before the main verb to show the speaker's stance.

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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.