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

So people can rightly celebrate voters’ minor victory in Watson.

From Slate • Jun. 29, 2026

“We were rightly skeptical about this so-called Sell America trade. As tariff concerns eased and recession fears abated, the debasement narrative lost momentum,” Ed Yardeni, president of Yardeni Research, said in commentary shared with MarketWatch.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 28, 2026

"He is rightly celebrated internationally for his innovative and pioneering approach, including his introduction of the B-Lynch suture, which is still being used today."

From BBC • Jun. 27, 2026

“We were rightly skeptical about this so-called ‘Sell America Trade’,” said Ed Yardeni, founder and president of Yardeni Research.

From Barron's • Jun. 25, 2026

I said, Well, I didn’t rightly know—what did he think I ought to do?

From "In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote

Related Words

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