rightful

right·ful

adjective \ˈrīt-fəl\

Definition of RIGHTFUL

1

: just, equitable

2

a : having a just or legally established claim : legitimate <the rightful owner>

b : held by right or just claim : legal <rightful authority>

3

: proper, fitting <assured of his rightful place in history — Brian Duff>

— right·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb

— right·ful·ness noun

Examples of RIGHTFUL

1. The property should be returned to its rightful owner.
2. He will be given his rightful place in the history books.

First Known Use of RIGHTFUL

14th century

Related to RIGHTFUL

Synonyms

competent, condign, deserved, due, fair, justified, merited, right, just, warranted

Antonyms

undeserved, undue, unfair, unjust, unjustified, unmerited, unwarranted

Related Words

applicable, appropriate, apt, fit, fitting, meet, proper, requisite, suitable; lawful, legal, legitimate; accurate, correct, true; rhadamanthine, strict, stringent, uncompromising; equitable, impartial, square

Near Antonyms

incoherent, incorrect, irrelative, irrelevant; improper, inapplicable, inapposite, inappropriate, inapt, indefensible, unjustifiable, unreasonable, unsuitable; biased, inequitable, partial, unequal; arbitrary, despotic; illegitimate, unlawful

Rhymes with RIGHTFUL

frightful, spiteful, sprightful