rightly

American  

[rahyt-lee] / ˈraɪt li /

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.

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rightly British  

/ 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 )

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Etymology

Origin of rightly

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

Example Sentences

“News flow about increasingly frequent satellite launches and increasingly useful LEO satellite-based network services are rightly drawing investors’ attention,” Stein wrote in a note to clients this week, referring to low-Earth-orbit satellites.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 3, 2026

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has also criticized the CEO's conduct, saying he was "very disappointed, as others are, rightly so, in this unilingual message."

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

There have rightly been growing calls to increase stockpiles of long-range munitions for precision strikes, as well as munitions for Patriot, Thaad, and other air-defense systems.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

He'd have a go at players, rightly or wrongly.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

‘One who cannot cast away a treasure at need is in fetters. You did rightly.’

From "The Two Towers" by J. R. R. Tolkien

Related Words

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