# legitimately

/ɫəˈdʒɪtəmətɫi/ (US) · /lədʒˈɪtɪmətli/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/legitimately
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

in a way that follows the law or rules. You can also use it to say that a feeling or reason is fair and makes sense.

For teachers: in a manner conforming to laws or established rules; by logical extension, used to describe actions or feelings that are justifiable and valid.

## Examples

- He earned the money legitimately through his business.
- The committee questioned whether the candidate had legitimately obtained the signatures required for the ballot.
- While the critic's tone was harsh, she was legitimately concerned that the structural flaws in the building could pose a significant safety risk to future residents.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He is legitimately to stay here." but "He is legitimately allowed to stay here." — Learners sometimes use the adverb as a predicate adjective; 'legitimately' must modify a verb, adjective, or another adverb.

## Usage notes

- Can function as a manner adverb or as a sentence-modifying disjunct to emphasize the truth of a statement.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.