rightfully

comparative more rightfully · superlative most rightfully

1. In accordance with what is right or just.

   Near-synonym: fairly

   1 more example

   [T]he only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others. His own good, either physical or moral, is not a sufficient warrant.

   1859, John Stuart Mill, “Introductory”, in On Liberty, London: John W[illiam] Parker and Son, […], →OCLC, page 22

   Synonyms: justly, fairly · Antonyms: unrightfully, wrongfully, wrongly

2. Rightly, correctly.

   Ne euer will it [King Arthur's sword] breake, ne euer bend. / Wherefore Morddure it rightfully is hight.

   1590, Edmund Spenser, “Book II, Canto VIII”, in The Faerie Queene. […], London: […] [John Wolfe] for William Ponsonbie, →OCLC, stanza 21, page 296

   Synonyms: accurately, truly · Antonyms: inaccurately, incorrectly, falsely, wrongly