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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.

rightful

/ˈraɪtfəl/ /ˈraɪtf(ə)l/

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.

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