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

Derived Forms

• ˈrightfulness, noun
• ˈrightfully, adverb

Other Words From

• rightful·ly adverb
• rightful·ness noun
• un·rightful adjective
• un·rightful·ly adverb
• un·rightful·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of rightful¹

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

Example Sentences

I really think the meta narrative for me is that this is a year that gaming has finally been accepted at its rightful place as the biggest form of entertainment.

From Washington Post

We should respect their rightful role in keeping our streets and cities vibrant, healthy and safe.

From Voice of San Diego

On the other side of the bracket, PSG will square off with RB Leipzig, and a healthy Mbappé means Les Parisiens are the rightful favorites in this semifinal clash.

From FiveThirtyEight

Pick and rolls featuring Lillard as the ball-handler and Nurkić as the screener have resumed their rightful place as the foundation of the team’s offense.

From FiveThirtyEight

It maybe painful at times for some people but it’s a positive and necessary process to go through for us to take a rightful place alongside all these other businesses who went through it a few years ago.

From Digiday

But fear of something that is not actually a threat is not rightful fear, but rather paranoia.

From The Daily Beast

Imagine the rightful morning-after furor if a racial slight had been broadcast in primetime.

From The Daily Beast

Still, taking their rightful place behind the bar comes with a unique set of challenges.

From The Daily Beast

Theoretically, the bank should have tried to find the rightful owner.

From The Daily Beast

“Fire cannot kill a dragon,” says Dany, who asserts her claim as the rightful Targaryen heir to the Iron Throne.

From The Daily Beast

But one thing remained for Felipe now, If Ramona lived, he would find her, and restore to her this her rightful property.

From Project Gutenberg

When a man's in clink, his nag gets nothing but mild exercise till his rightful rider gets out.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Chumley worshipped money, anyway, and this was a worshippers rightful attitude.

From Project Gutenberg

The good character of the Irish railways was thus re-established, and they again held their rightful place in public esteem.

From Project Gutenberg

John Smith was later charged with sedition, acquitted, and finally restored to his rightful council position.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• deserved
• lawful
• proper