top of page
The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

legitimate

IPA:

How to pronounce legitimate (audio)

Dictionary definition of legitimate

Lawful, valid, and in accordance with accepted rules, regulations, or standards.
"The court ruled that the evidence was legitimate and admissible."

Detailed meaning of legitimate

When something is considered legitimate, it is generally accepted or recognized as being real, legal, or rightful. This can apply to a wide range of situations, from identifying a legitimate form of identification, to verifying the legitimacy of a business or organization, to determining the legitimacy of a claim or argument. To be legitimate, something must conform to established rules, standards, or norms, and must be supported by evidence or authority. Additionally, something that is considered legitimate should be fair and just, and should not be fraudulent or deceitful. Overall, the term legitimate implies a sense of authenticity, credibility, and trustworthiness, and is often used to distinguish something that is valid from something that is not.

Example sentences containing legitimate

1. The company has legitimate concerns about the new policy.
2. It is important to have legitimate proof of identity.
3. The contract was deemed legitimate by all parties involved.
4. The organization operates under a legitimate framework.
5. The legitimate heir to the throne has finally been crowned.
6. It's not legitimate to discriminate against someone based on their race.

History and etymology of legitimate

The adjective 'legitimate' has its etymological roots in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word 'legitimatus,' which is the past participle of 'legitimare.' 'Legitimare' is a combination of 'legis' (meaning 'law') and 'timere' (meaning 'to make fearful' or 'to respect'). In Latin, 'legitimare' referred to the act of making something lawful, valid, or in accordance with established laws and regulations, and it often carried the connotation of respecting the law. Over time, this Latin term transitioned into English as 'legitimate,' maintaining its core meaning of being lawful, valid, and in accordance with accepted rules, regulations, or standards. The etymology of 'legitimate' underscores its historical association with legality and adherence to established norms and laws.

Quiz: Find the meaning of the adjective legitimate:

Try Again!

Correct!

Further usage examples of legitimate

1. The government must ensure that all elections are legitimate and fair.
2. The legitimate owners of the property have been identified and notified.
3. The legitimate interests of all stakeholders must be taken into account.
4. The company's claims are not legitimate and have been refuted.
5. The legitimate concerns of the public must be addressed in any policy decision.
6. The legitimate heir's claim to the throne was finally acknowledged by the royal council.
7. Concerns about product safety were raised by legitimate consumers and addressed promptly.
8. A legitimate reason for the project delay was provided, along with a revised timeline.
9. The legitimate owner of the property has a valid title deed and legal documentation.
10. The court upheld her legitimate claim to the family estate, settling a longstanding dispute.
11. The government implemented measures to ensure free and legitimate elections in the country.
12. Legitimate businesses adhere to strict ethical standards and corporate responsibility.
13. Legitimate questions were posed during the meeting, leading to constructive discussions.
14. The company's practices are legitimate and conform to industry regulations and ethics.
15. A legitimate excuse for his absence was presented along with medical documentation.
16. The company operates with a legitimate business license granted by the local authorities.
17. They conducted a thorough and legitimate investigation into the allegations of fraud.
18. Legitimate concerns were expressed by environmental groups about the new development.
19. Funding for the project came from legitimate sources, including government grants.
20. He holds a legitimate patent for his groundbreaking invention, securing his intellectual property.
21. Legitimate contracts are crucial to protect the rights and interests of both parties.
22. The organization operates within the legitimate boundaries of its mission and charter.
23. Legitimate criticism can lead to positive changes and improvements in any organization.
24. The legitimate grievances of the workers were addressed through collective bargaining.
25. Access to quality education is a legitimate goal for governments to ensure societal progress.

Analysis and Reasoning, Certainty and Conviction, Compliance and Regulation, Decision and Discretion, Criminal Justice and Penalties, Legal Terms and Concepts

authentic,kosher,reliable

legal, unlawful, illegal, illegitimate

eb68db_822b4bfbbfa8464db0280aaf6d027666.mp3

authorized,real,reasonable,sensible,statutory,warranted

bottom of page