American English
/ˈɹaɪt̚.fl̩/
2 syllables · Stress the first syllable.
Having a legal or moral claim to own, receive, or control something.
Practice out loudHaving a legal or moral claim to own, receive, or control something.
The rightful owner of the necklace reported it stolen.
The rightful heir took control of the company.
Use rightful for a valid legal or moral claim. It does not simply mean “correct.”
rightful owner · rightful heir · rightful claim
the rightful + noun
the rightful owner of + something
Deserved or properly belonging to someone because of their position, work, or actions.
After years of work, she earned her rightful place on the board.
The museum finally gave the artist her rightful recognition.
rightful place · rightful recognition · rightful share
someone's rightful + noun
take one's rightful place in + group
to move into the position that one deserves
He finally took his rightful place as team captain.