English Reference
adjective · adverb · noun

legit

adj. · adv. · n.
US /ˈɫɛdʒɪt/ UK /lədʒˈɪt/ le·git UK spelling legits

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    adj.legal, official, or following the rules.

    adj.conforming to laws, rules, or established standards; a shortened form of legitimate.

    Simple

    I checked their website and it looks legit, so I think it is safe to buy from them.

    In context

    The authorities confirmed that the charity was a legit operation, despite the initial concerns raised by the local press.

    Usage

    Commonly used in spoken English to verify if a business or website is safe.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate InformalSlang

    adj.real and honest, not a fake.

    adj.authentic or genuine in nature; not counterfeit or deceptive.

    Simple

    That is a legit autograph from the singer, not a copy.

    In context

    He managed to find a legit vintage leather jacket at the thrift store for only twenty dollars.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Slang

    adj.very good or possessing all the qualities you expect.

    adj.possessing high quality or excellence; meeting all expectations of a particular standard.

    Simple

    The food at that new burger place is legit.

    In context

    Her skills on the guitar are legit, showing years of dedicated practice and natural talent.

  4. 04 C1 Advanced Slang

    adv.honestly, truly, or seriously.

    adv.used as an intensifier to mean 'truly' or 'honestly'; often used to emphasize a surprising fact.

    Simple

    I legit thought the movie was over before the final scene started.

    In context

    He was legit worried about the exam results, even though he had studied for weeks.

    Usage

    Often placed before a verb or adjective for emphasis.

  5. 05 C2 Proficiency TechnicalInformal Theatre

    n.serious or professional theater, rather than movies or variety shows.

    n.referring to professional stage plays with live actors, as opposed to cinema or vaudeville.

    Simple

    She spent years working in the legit before moving to Hollywood.

    In context

    The actor made his name in the legit, performing Shakespearean leads before transitioning to high-budget television dramas.

    legitimate theater

You need to be careful about which sites you use and make sure they’ve got reviews and other people can recommend them to make sure they are legit.

The Local· 25 Mar 2025

Clipping of legitimate or legitimately.

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

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated