by rights

by rights

Fairly and justly, according to one's due rights. Because you're the oldest nephew, you inherit the most of Uncle Ed's fortune by rights. By rights, you can't interrogate him without a lawyer present.

See also: right

by rights

Justly, in fairness, as in By rights he should have been chosen first. Originally put as by right, this term was first recorded about 1315.

See also: right

by rights

By rights means according to what is fair, legal or allowed. He took the money that was mine by rights. By rights she should have had no access to the royal gardens at all.

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by ˈrights

according to what should happen or what you would expect: By rights I should feel sorry for shouting at her, but I don’t.

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by rights

In a just or proper manner; justly.

See also: right