adj
rightful
RYT-fuhl
adj
1
Having a legitimate or lawful claim to something.
"She was declared the rightful heir to the estate."
How to Use Rightful
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDeserved or lawful, especially describing an owner or heir.
Common pairings
rightful owner
rightful heir
rightful place
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She was declared the _____ heir to the estate.
Etymology
From Old English rihtfull, formed from right plus -ful.