rightly

Definition

In a right manner; correctly, justifiably.

Etymology

From Middle English ryȝtly, rihtliche, from Old English rihtlīċe, from Proto-West Germanic *rehtalīkā, *rehtalīkō, from Proto-Germanic *rehtalīkê, *rehtalīkô (“rightly”), equivalent to right + -ly. Cognate with West Frisian rjochtlik, Dutch rechtelijk, German rechtlich, Swedish rätteligen, Icelandic réttilega.

Example Sentences

• "She was quite rightly disappointed in not being promoted."
• "I don't rightly know what he meant by that remark."
• "Princes, Heavens antient Sons, Æthereal Thrones, / Demonian Spirits now, from the Element / Each of his reign allotted, rightlier call’d, / Powers of Fire, Air, Water, and Earth beneath, / So may we hold our place and theſe mild ſeats / Without new trouble; […]"