rhizoverbBeta
DictionarylegitimateLawful status
adjective / verb

legitimate

lih-JIT-ih-mut/lɪˈdʒɪtɪmət/

Supported by a valid basis under applicable standards.

The administrator accepts the legitimate license with its proper seal.

Verified license with proper seal accepted by administrator.
Etymology
legitimLatinlawful
+ateLatinpast-participle ending

The lawful stem developed through a verb meaning 'make or declare lawful.' The English adjective initially described birth to legally married parents, then broadened from lawful standing to being genuine or valid.

In context

MS NOW5:12
WE HAVE TO DO TWO THINGS. WE HAVE TO HOLD ACCOUNTABLE EVERY PERSON WHO IS CRIMINALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR TRYING TO OVERTURN A LEGITIMATE ELECTION.
Of Course Trump Is Still Trying To Overturn The Election—He's Faced No Consequence

More examples

  • She has a legitimate reason to request a refund.
  • We check that the charity is legitimate before donating.
  • The new law legitimates previously unauthorized business practices.

Forms

legitimate · more legitimate · most legitimate · legitimates · legitimated · legitimating

legitimacy noun — The quality of being lawful or justified.

legitimately adverb — In a lawful or reasonably justified way.

Similar words

lawful
Lawful specifically means permitted by law, not merely reasonable.
genuine
Genuine emphasizes authenticity rather than legal status or reasonable justification.
valid
Valid emphasizes meeting requirements or being supported by sound reasoning.