Phrase guide

rightly so

adv · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • Received-Pronunciation: /ˌɹaɪtli ˈsəʊ/
  • Southern-England: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
  • General-American: /ˌɹaɪtli ˈsoʊ/
  • rhymes with -əʊ

1

adv

Meaning 1

In a manner that is factual or just; correctly, fairly, justly, truly; also, in a manner acceptable or excusable in the circumstances; understandably.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: not-comparable

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: with good reason

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

PIE word *swé From rightly + so (“in a particular manner”).