ENGLISH
REFERENCE

legally

adv. manner
B1 Intermediate US //ˈɫiɡəɫi// UK //lˈiːɡəli// legal·ly

adv. in a way that follows the law or is allowed by the law. You use this to say that something is permitted or done according to official rules.

adv. in a manner that conforms to or is permitted by the law. Often used to modify verbs or adjectives to specify the jurisdictional validity of an action.


SIMPLE

You are legally required to wear a seatbelt.

CONTEXTUAL

The contract was signed and witnessed, making the agreement legally binding for both parties.

COMPLEX

While the company acted ethically in the eyes of the public, it was not legally obligated to provide compensation to the affected residents under current statutes.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From legal + -ly. Piecewise doublet of leally and loyally.

Usage

Typically placed before the adjective it modifies or at the end of a clause.

Pitfall

He is legal allowed to driveHe is legally allowed to driveLearners often use the adjective 'legal' instead of the adverb 'legally' to modify a verb or another adjective.

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