in her own right
Adverb - By reason of one's own ability, qualifications, or ownership, independently of another person or relationship: This phrase is used to indicate that a person possesses a status, title, or quality based on their own merits, not merely through association with someone else (like a spouse or parent). It emphasizes inherent worth or independent achievement.
The phrase "in her own right" is used to clarify that a woman's position, success, or attribute is self-earned and legitimate on its own terms. It often follows a description of her status. - It is typically placed after the noun or adjective it modifies. - The pronoun within the phrase ("her," "his," "its," "their") changes to agree with the subject.
- She is a respected scholar in her own right, not just because she is the dean's wife.
- The duchess was a powerful political figure in her own right.
- He inherited the estate, but she is wealthy in her own right from her business ventures.
- This is a significant historical document in its own right.
- "In its own right": Used for objects, concepts, or works to state they are important or valuable independently, not just as part of something else.
- The film's soundtrack is a masterpiece in its own right.
- "In their own right": The plural form.
- They are all accomplished artists in their own right.
- In his own right: The masculine singular form.
- On one's own merits: A closely related phrase with a similar meaning of independent worth.
- Independently
- On her own merits
- By virtue of her own abilities
The core meaning centers on independent legitimacy. It counters any assumption that a person's status is derivative. While the example uses "in her own right," the phrase is part of a flexible set ("in [pronoun] own right") applicable to any person or thing.
- by reason of one's own ability or ownership etc.
- she's a rich woman in her own right rather than by inheritance
- an excellent novel in its own right