What does legally mean?
Legally is an adverb meaning in accordance with the law or in a manner permitted by it. It is widely used to describe actions, requirements, documents, rights, and arrangements: a contract may be legally binding, a business may be legally required to register, or an individual may be legally entitled to compensation. The word is common in formal legal, governmental, and business contexts and usually refers to the state of affairs recognized by applicable law. Its use does not imply that an action is ethical, fair, or wise. For example, a legally permitted practice may still be widely criticized because it exploits a loophole or causes harm. Legally is derived from the adjective legal and is the standard adverb form in both British and American English.
adverbIn a manner that conforms to the law; in accordance with legal rules or requirements.
- In accordance with the law; in a legally permitted manner.
- In a manner recognized or authorized by law.
"The company was legally required to disclose its financial results."
"The agreement was legally reviewed before it was signed."
"Residents may legally challenge the proposed development."
Something can be legal without being ethical, so 'legally' describes the law's verdict, not necessarily society's.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does legally come from?
Legally derives from legal, which comes from Latin legalis, meaning pertaining to law or legal matters. The Latin adjective was formed from lex, meaning law or statute. The same root underlies related words such as legitimate, legalize, legitimacy, and legislature. The adverb legally entered English as a standard formation from legal during the 16th century.
Related word forms
How legally is actually used
Legally is formal and especially common in legal, governmental, and business contexts. It describes what the law permits or recognizes, not necessarily what is morally right.
Easily confused with legally
Both describe conduct that accords with the law, but 'lawfully' more directly emphasizes compliance with the law, while 'legally' can also describe a status or arrangement recognized under the law.