Definition

Adverb: According to what is morally or legally correct; justly; if things were fair or as they should be. It is used to state what should logically or fairly happen, often contrasting with what actually happens.

Usage

The phrase "by rights" is used to introduce a statement about what is correct, fair, or deserved. It often implies that the expected or fair outcome is not the current reality. It typically appears at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence.

Examples

• By rights, the oldest son should inherit the estate.
• She has worked the hardest, so by rights the promotion should be hers.
• This trophy isn't really mine by rights; I just kept it for the team.
• By rights, I ought to report this, but I will give you another chance.

Advanced Usage

• In hypothetical or conditional statements: Used to emphasize the fairness of a hypothetical situation.
  • If we followed the rules strictly, by rights, their team should be disqualified.
• Contrasting reality with fairness: Often sets up a contrast introduced by "but," "however," or "though."
  • By rights he should be the manager, but the owner appointed his nephew instead.

Variants and Related Words

• Rightfully (adv): In accordance with what is just, legal, or deserved. (Often interchangeable, but "rightfully" can be more emphatic about legal or moral ownership.)
  • She is the rightful heir to the throne.
• Justly (adv): According to what is morally right or fair.
• Properly (adv): Correctly or appropriately.

Synonyms

• Rightfully
• Justly
• Properly
• In fairness
• If justice were done

Related Phrases and Idioms

• In (all) fairness: Used to introduce a statement that defends someone or something or that considers another side of an argument. (Similar function but often softer than "by rights.")
  • In all fairness, he did warn us about the risks.
• As of right: As a legal entitlement.
  • They were there as of right, not by permission.

Adverb

1. with reason or justice