rightful — [rīt′fəl] adj. 1. fair and just; right 2. having a just, lawful claim, or right [the rightful owner] 3. belonging or owned by just or lawful claim, or by right [a rightful rank] 4. proper or fitting rightfully adv. rightfulness n … English World dictionary
rightful — I adjective according to law, allowable, allowed, appropriate, authentic, authorized, becoming, befitting, chartered, constitutional, correct, deserved, due, enfranchised, equitable, fair, fitting, genuine, honest, inalienable, iustus, just,… … Law dictionary
rightful — O.E. rihtful; see RIGHT (Cf. right) (adj.1) + FUL (Cf. ful). Related: Rightfully … Etymology dictionary
rightful — *due, condign Analogous words: *fair, equitable, just, impartial: *lawful, legal, legitimate … New Dictionary of Synonyms
rightful — [adj] legitimate applicable, appropriate, apt, authorized, befitting, bona fide, canonical, card carrying*, condign, deserved, due, ethical, fair, fit, fitting, holding water, honest, just, kosher*, lawful, legal, legit*, merited, moral,… … New thesaurus
rightful — ► ADJECTIVE 1) having a legitimate right to something. 2) legitimately claimed; fitting. DERIVATIVES rightfully adverb rightfulness noun … English terms dictionary
rightful — [[t]ra͟ɪtfʊl[/t]] ADJ: ADJ n If you say that someone or something has returned to its rightful place or position, they have returned to the place or position that you think they should have. The Baltics own democratic traditions would help them… … English dictionary
rightful — adjective Date: 14th century 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 > … New Collegiate Dictionary
rightful — right|ful [ˈraıtfəl] adj [only before noun] formal according to what is correct or what should be done legally or morally ▪ George sat at the head of the table, in his rightful place as their leader. ▪ I ll return the money to its rightful owner … Dictionary of contemporary English
rightful — /ˈraɪtfəl / (say ruytfuhl) adjective 1. having a right, or just claim, as to some possession or position: the rightful owner. 2. belonging by right, or just claim: one s rightful property. 3. equitable or just, as actions, etc.: a rightful cause …
