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.