C1adjective formal 2K

Legitimate

🇬🇧 UK /["/lɪˈdʒɪtɪmət/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/lɪˈdʒɪtɪmət/"]/

Meaning of Legitimate

for which there is a fair and acceptable reason

In simple words: Real or acceptable; not false.

Legitimate in a sentence

• a legitimate grievance
• It seemed a **perfectly legitimate** question.
• Politicians are legitimate targets for satire.
• Parents' concerns about the disease are quite legitimate.
• People have a legitimate expectation that their politicians should be honest.
• The court ruled that celebrities' children were not a legitimate target for press intrusion.
• the legitimate government of the country
• Is his business strictly legitimate?
• The legitimate government was reinstated after the uprising.

How to use Legitimate

Use 'legitimate' in formal contexts to describe authenticity or legality. Avoid in very casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

legitimate + noun

Memory hint

Think of 'legit' – it’s like a badge showing something is real.

Related words

Collocations with Legitimate

• be
• seem
• consider something
• completely
• entirely
• perfectly
• be
• seem
• consider something
• completely
• entirely
• perfectly

Synonyms for Legitimate

• valid, justifiable
• legal

Opposites of Legitimate

• illegitimate
• unjustified
• fake

Common mistakes with Legitimate

• Misusing 'legitimate' when 'legit' is more appropriate in slang contexts.
• Confusing with 'illegitimate' without understanding its negative connotation.
• Using 'legitimate' as a verb instead of as an adjective.

Frequently asked questions about Legitimate

What does Legitimate mean?

Real or acceptable; not false.

What is the definition of Legitimate?

for which there is a fair and acceptable reason

How do you use Legitimate in a sentence?

a legitimate grievance

Can you give another example of Legitimate?

It seemed a **perfectly legitimate** question.

What are synonyms for Legitimate?

Common alternatives include valid, justifiable, legal.

What is the opposite of Legitimate?

Opposite meanings include illegitimate, unjustified, fake.

What words go with Legitimate?

It commonly pairs with be, seem, consider something, completely, entirely, perfectly, be, seem, consider something, completely, entirely, perfectly.

What are common mistakes when using Legitimate?

Misusing 'legitimate' when 'legit' is more appropriate in slang contexts. Confusing with 'illegitimate' without understanding its negative connotation. Using 'legitimate' as a verb instead of as an adjective.

How do you pronounce Legitimate?

US: /["/lɪˈdʒɪtɪmət/"]/, UK: /["/lɪˈdʒɪtɪmət/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

Is Legitimate formal or informal?

"Legitimate" is formal, so it fits professional, business, or academic conversations.

When should I use Legitimate?

Use 'legitimate' in formal contexts to describe authenticity or legality. Avoid in very casual conversations.

What CEFR level is Legitimate?

"Legitimate" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.