rightful

American  

[rahyt-fuhl] / ˈraɪt fəl /

adjective

1. having a valid or just claim, as to some property or position; legitimate.

   the rightful owner of the farm.

2. belonging or held by a valid or just claim.

   one's rightful property.

3. equitable or just, as actions or a cause.

4. proper; appropriate; fitting.

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rightful British  

/ ˈraɪtfʊl /

adjective

1. in accordance with what is right; proper or just

2. (prenominal) having a legally or morally just claim

   the rightful owner

3. (prenominal) held by virtue of a legal or just claim

   my rightful property

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Other Word Forms

• rightfully adverb
• rightfulness noun
• unrightful adjective
• unrightfully adverb
• unrightfulness noun

Etymology

Origin of rightful

First recorded before 1150; Middle English; late Old English rihtful; right (noun), -ful

Example Sentences

Some wagers have led to disputes over which side is the rightful winner.

From The Wall Street Journal

“We could see that she was being misrepresented and denied her rightful place in history.”

From Los Angeles Times

And the Welsh Labour leader said there should be a "fair share formula" so Wales "automatically receives its rightful share of UK resources in critical areas like rail, justice, and research and development".

From BBC

He understood that stability grows from dignity, not domination, and his decrees affirmed that all peoples and beliefs had a rightful place under the law.

From Salon

Sometimes, these third parties hope to slow down the process and hope that the estate or rightful/legal heir will settle in order to move on.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• deserved
• lawful
• proper