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

“This is what happens when you take the lead in polls,” he rightly noted.

From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 2026

But the state has rightly continued to hold out for parcels worth having, arguing that worthless land violated the spirit of the original agreement.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026

Also, I am afraid your columns do not sufficiently extol the value of work, which Voltaire rightly claimed protects us from the evils of boredom, vice, and poverty.

From MarketWatch • May 13, 2026

They might not be able to get into the weeds of the finer points of monetary policy, but they rightly sensed the central bank’s shortcomings in recent years.

From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026

But as you rightly point out, it's rather gratifying to have consorted with him.

From "The Remains of the Day" by Kazuo Ishiguro

Related Words

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