legitimate

Everyday

1. Allowed by law or by the rules; fair and proper. tree →
2. Reasonable and fair: a legitimate reason, a legitimate question. tree →
3. Real and honest, not fake: a legitimate business, a legitimate website. tree →
4. (old use) Born to parents who were married to each other. tree →
5. (slang, «legit») Really, truly, or great: «That was legit funny.» tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life a «legitimate reason» for being late is a good, true one. In safety lessons a «legitimate website» or message is a real one, not a scam — checking if something is legitimate protects you from tricks. In formal exam language it means «properly allowed». Slang «legit» is short for it.

Examples

• Feeling ill is a legitimate reason to miss a match. tree →
• That's a legitimate question, and I'll answer it. tree →
• Check that the shop is legitimate before you pay online. tree →
• The fake email looked legitimate, but it was a trick. tree →
• He is the legitimate owner of the bicycle. tree →
• The referee said it was a legitimate goal. tree →
• That skateboard trick was legit amazing! tree →
• Is this offer legit or a scam? tree →
• He had not flown far, however, when he came across a dog who, having met the sausage, had regarded him as his legitimate booty, and so seized and swallowed him. tree →

Note

Say it le-JIT-i-mut. Opposite: illegitimate. Adverb: legitimately. «Legit» is slang and too casual for an essay. A legitimate goal or move is one the rules allow. The old sense about children of unmarried parents is old-fashioned and can hurt; avoid it.