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

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

In a statement, he said: "This u-turn will come as a huge relief to parents and vulnerable children who rely heavily on this vital service and can now rightly look forward to it this summer."

From BBC

Persuasion, he rightly believed, isn’t an ornament but the heart of republican leadership.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

But Emery, rightly, continues to ask to be judged after 38 games and where they will be at the end of the season.

From BBC

Related Words

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