rightly
[rahyt-lee]
- 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.
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Origin of rightly
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
justly, fairly, exactly, appropriately, accurately, truly, properly, correctly, legally, suitably, befittingly, fitly, justifiably, lawfullyExamples from the Web for rightly
Contemporary Examples
Bonauto, now an official MacArthur genius, is rightly known as the Thurgood Marshall of the marriage movement.
The sex workers I spoke with rightly call it “vile,” “gross,” “terrifying,” and “exploitative.”
Waivers were also encouraged by states and the federal government who saw them, rightly, as a cost-cutting measure.
Medicaid Will Give You Money for At-Home Care, but You Might Wait YearsElizabeth Picciuto
December 2, 2014
It rightly blames both Israeli and Palestinian intransigence for its failure.
Levin rightly disparages the “nostalgia” that he says “blinds” both liberals and conservatives to this new reality.
Historical Examples
But he was a man and his own master—if you can rightly call a man his own master that does them things.
The SpendersHarry Leon Wilson
I don't want to trouble him, but I was bound he shouldn't keep from me what was rightly my due.
Brave and BoldHoratio Alger
No suspicion or fear can be rightly directed toward our country.
My wife had rightly told me, Sir, that you were a very clever and honest man.
The Imaginary InvalidMolire
Now Wiseli first rightly understood these words, and felt their full meaning.
Rico and WiseliJohanna Spyri
rightly
- in accordance with the facts; correctly
- in accordance with principles of justice or morality
- with good reason; justifiablyhe was rightly annoyed with her
- properly or suitably; appropriatelyrightly dressed for a wedding
- (used with a negative) informal with certainty; positively or precisely (usually in the phrases I don't rightly know, I can't rightly say)
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for rightly
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper