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rightful

adjective right·ful \ˈrīt-fəl\

: according to the law

: proper or appropriate

Full Definition of RIGHTFUL

1
:  just, equitable
2
a :  having a just or legally established claim :  legitimate <the rightful owner>
b :  held by right or just claim :  legal <rightful authority>
3
:  proper, fitting <assured of his rightful place in history — Brian Duff>
— right·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
— right·ful·ness noun
See rightful defined for English-language learners
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First Known Use of RIGHTFUL

14th century

Related to RIGHTFUL

Synonyms
competent, condign, deserved, due, fair, justified, merited, right, just, warranted
Antonyms
undeserved, undue, unfair, unjust, unjustified, unmerited, unwarranted

Rhymes with RIGHTFUL

frightful, spiteful, sprightful
RIGHTFUL Defined for Kids

rightful

adjective right·ful \ˈrīt-fəl\

Definition of RIGHTFUL for Kids

:  lawful 2, proper <… Grace had convinced herself that she was the rightful heir. — Ellen Raskin, The Westing Game>
— right·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb <The money is rightfully his.>

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