rightful

[rahyt-fuhl]

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.

rightful

/ 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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of rightful¹

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

Example Sentences

The couple insist they are the rightful owners of the artwork, which they had inherited, according to Argentina's La Nacion newspaper.

From BBC

And the songwriting is one step up; if you’ve followed her career, you’ll see it as the rightful culmination of her years and years of digging in and continuing to do the work.

From Salon

Both persuaded themselves and a sizable portion of their admirers that their greed was the rightful spoils of their genius.

From Salon

They research the dead person's family in order to identify, locate and contact the rightful heirs.

From BBC

Late last year, the city sued the association, arguing that it was the rightful owner of the endowment.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• deserved 
• lawful 
• proper