legitimate
word
Definition
If something is legitimate, it is allowed by law, fair, real, or acceptable for a good reason. It can describe businesses, claims, concerns, or authority.
Usage & Nuances
Often used in formal or neutral contexts. Common collocations include 'legitimate business', 'legitimate concern', 'legitimate claim', and 'legitimate authority'. It can mean 'legal', but also 'reasonable' or 'genuine', so the exact meaning depends on context.
Example Sentences
The website looks legitimate to me.
basic
This is a legitimate business with a real office.
basic
She has a legitimate reason to be upset.
basic
At first I thought it was a scam, but it turned out to be legitimate.
natural
That's a legitimate concern, and we should talk about it.
natural
He makes money from his art now, so it's a legitimate career.
natural