rightful Hear it!

rightful Definition

right·ful (rīt′fəl)

adjective

  1. fair and just; right
  2. having a just, lawful claim, or right the rightful owner
  3. belonging or owned by just or lawful claim, or by right a rightful rank
  4. proper or fitting

rightful Related Forms

right′·fully adverb right′·ful·ness noun

rightful Synonyms

rightful

modif.

proper, just, legitimate; see fair 1, lawful, legal 1, permitted.

rightful Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

  • heir: Who are the rightful heirs of Babylon or the Ottoman Empire?
  • inheritor: Some held that since as-Sadiq had first appointed Isma`il as his heir, the rightful inheritor of the Imamate was Isma`il's son.
  • owner: The dogs are returned to their rightful owners in Ramsay Street.
  • inheritance: Emily is a feisty woman fighting for her rightful inheritance.
  • ruler: In effect the King married his sister or half sister in order to become the rightful ruler.
  • king: He now stands fast: most cruel in tyranny, He is no rightful king for our fair land.

Modifying Another Word

only: They destroy our souls by removing us from our soul's only rightful source.