rightly
Americanadverb
-
in accordance with truth or fact; correctly.
to see rightly; to understand rightly.
-
in accordance with morality or equity; uprightly.
-
properly, fitly, or suitably.
to be rightly dressed.
-
Informal. with certainty; positively.
I can't rightly say.
adverb
-
in accordance with the facts; correctly
-
in accordance with principles of justice or morality
-
with good reason; justifiably
he was rightly annoyed with her
-
properly or suitably; appropriately
rightly dressed for a wedding
-
informal (used with a negative) with certainty; positively or precisely (usually in the phrases I don't rightly know, I can't rightly say )
Etymology
Origin of rightly
before 900; Middle English; Old English rihtlīce. See right, -ly
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
My undergrads are rightly fearful about the climate crisis but working in community to find their way.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 15, 2026
Our laws rightly protect children in those circumstances.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 13, 2026
In its statement, the Northern Ireland Office spokesperson said: "The public rightly expects the highest standards of integrity and professionalism from those in public appointments."
From BBC ● Aug. 5, 2026
She’s a little rain cloud of a person, dour and humorless, though perhaps rightly offended by being passed over.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 5, 2026
“It is because I am afraid that Mordred bears me a grudge, poor boy—and rightly too.”
From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
