English Reference
adverb

legally

adv.
US /ˈɫiɡəɫi/ UK /lˈiːɡəli/ legal·ly

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate Law

    in a way that is allowed by the law.

    in a manner that conforms to the law or is permitted by statute.

    Simple

    The company is legally required to protect your personal data.

    In context

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

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Law

    used to describe a situation based on what the law says.

    from a legal standpoint or according to the interpretation of the law.

    Simple

    Legally, they are still married even though they live in different countries.

    In context

    Legally speaking, the defendant had no obligation to disclose his previous employment history during the initial interview process.

    judicially

Usage legally required · legally binding · legally recognised


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

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated