adj
Uncommon
rightful
RYT-fuhl
Rightful (adj) means having a legitimate or lawful claim to something. Example: “She was declared the rightful heir to the estate.”
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.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for rightful
See all rhymes for rightful →Frequently asked questions
What does “rightful” mean?
The word “rightful” means having a legitimate or lawful claim to something. In plain terms, deserved or lawful, especially describing an owner or heir.
How do you pronounce “rightful”?
“Rightful” is pronounced RYT-fuhl (/ˈɹaɪtfəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “rightful” in a sentence?
Here is “rightful” used in a sentence: “She was declared the rightful heir to the estate.”
What part of speech is “rightful”?
“Rightful” is an adjective.
Where does the word “rightful” come from?
The word “rightful” comes from Old English. From Old English rihtfull, formed from right plus -ful.
Is “rightful” a common word?
“Rightful” is an uncommon word in modern English.
