rightful
UK: ˈraɪtfʊl | US: ˈraɪtfəl
adj. in accordance with what is just, legal, or morally correct
adj. having a legitimate claim or right to something
The word "rightful" combines "right," derived from Old English riht (meaning "just, fair, or straight"), with the suffix "-ful," from Old English -full (meaning "full of"). "Right" traces back to Proto-Germanic rehtaz and further to Proto-Indo-European h₃reǵtós ("straightened, ruled"), reflecting concepts of justice and correctness. The suffix "-ful" transforms the noun "right" into an adjective, emphasizing possession or adherence to justice. Over time, "rightful" evolved to describe actions or claims aligned with moral or legal standards.
She is the rightful heir to the estate.
The protesters demanded their rightful share of resources.
The court restored the land to its rightful owner.
He was denied his rightful place in history.
The treaty ensured the tribe's rightful sovereignty over the territory.