rightly
5 synonyms and 2 antonyms for rightly, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adv — Correctly or justifiably.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use rightly
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
rightly or wrongly
rightly point out
Etymology
From Old English rihtlīċe, formed from right plus -ly.
Full origin of rightly →Frequently asked questions
What does “rightly” mean?
The word “rightly” means correctly or justifiably. In plain terms, in a correct or justified way.
How do you pronounce “rightly”?
“Rightly” is pronounced RYT-lee (/ˈɹaɪtli/ in IPA).
How do you use “rightly” in a sentence?
Here is “rightly” used in a sentence: “She rightly pointed out the flaw in the plan.”
What part of speech is “rightly”?
“Rightly” is an adverb.
Where does the word “rightly” come from?
The word “rightly” comes from Old English. From Old English rihtlīċe, formed from right plus -ly.
Is “rightly” a common word?
“Rightly” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between rightly and right as adverbs?
Rightly means correctly or justifiably and typically modifies an entire statement or action, as in "she was rightly praised." Right has other adverbial uses too, such as indicating direction or immediacy, that rightly does not share.
Where does rightly usually go in a sentence?
Rightly commonly appears directly before the verb it modifies, as in "he rightly assumed" or "they were rightly concerned." It can also appear at the start of a sentence to comment on the whole statement, as in "rightly or wrongly, she refused."
What is the difference between rightly and correctly?
Both mean roughly the same thing, but rightly often carries a sense of justification or fairness, not just factual accuracy, as in "they rightly objected." Correctly focuses more narrowly on being factually or procedurally accurate.
