Rightfully

Part of speech: adverb

Pronunciation: /ˈɹaɪtfəli/

Definitions

1. In a way that is justly deserved or earned, reflecting fairness and legality, as well as conformity to moral standards
2. Demonstrating legitimacy or correctness in ownership or entitlement, while embodying principles of justice and fairness
3. In a way that properly recognizes what is deserved according to rules or ethics

Etymology: "Rightfully" is a plain formation: the adjective "rightful," meaning "in accordance with what is right or lawful," with the adverbial ending "-ly" added to it. The adjective itself was built on "right" in its older sense of justice, law, or what is due to a person, so the word's core idea is that something is done in line with a legitimate claim or a fair standard. The adverb took shape in Middle English as "ryghtefully," a spelling that shows the same ending and the same sense of acting justly or as one ought. Over the centuries the spelling settled into the modern form, but the meaning stayed close to its origin: to have something in a way that is lawful and deserved, or to act with fairness.

Synonyms: justly, legitimately

Antonyms: wrongfully, illegitimately