EnglishMain Dictionary
legitimate
Universal Words
adjective
1 for which there is a fair and acceptable reason
SYNVALID:
a legitimate expectation / concern / grievance / excuse * It seemed a perfectly legitimate question. * Politicians are legitimate targets for satire.
2 allowed and acceptable according to the law
SYNLEGAL:
the legitimate government of the country * Is his business strictly legitimate?
OPPILLEGITIMATE
3 (of a child) born when its parents are legally married to each other
OPPILLEGITIMATE
legitimacy noun [U]:
the dubious legitimacy of his argument * I intend to challenge the legitimacy of his claim.
legitimately adverb:
She can now legitimately claim to be the best in the world.
