Rightful - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Rightful means having a legitimate or legal claim to something, such as a title, position, or property. It implies fairness and justice in ownership or entitlement. Example: She is the rightful heir to the throne.
Definition:
Legally or morally correct, justified, or deserved.
Synonyms:
legitimate, lawful, proper, valid
Part of Speech:
adjective
Antonyms:
wrongful, unlawful
Common Collocations:
rightful owner, rightful place, rightful claim, rightful heir
Derivatives:
rightfully, rightfulness
Usage Tips:
Use "rightful" to describe something that is justly earned or legally correct, often in legal or moral contexts.
Common Phrases:
rightful heir to the throne, in its rightful place, by rightful claim
Etymology:
Derived from Old English "riht," meaning just or fair, combined with "-ful" to indicate possession of a quality.
Examples:
- 1. She is the rightful owner of the house.
- 2. The king reclaimed his rightful throne after years of exile.
- 3. He demanded his rightful share of the inheritance.
- 4. The judge restored the property to its rightful heirs.