What does legitimately mean?
Legitimately is an adverb meaning in a way that is lawful, fair, justified, or otherwise valid. It is used when describing an action or claim that has a legitimate basis, such as a person legitimately exercising a right, an authority legitimately making a decision, or an issue that is legitimately a matter of public concern. In more informal contemporary English, the word can also mean genuinely or properly established, as when something is described as a legitimately impressive achievement. The term is commonly associated with law and formal institutions, but it is not limited to strictly legal circumstances: legitimacy can also concern ethics, reasonable standards, ownership, identity, or the validity of a process. Because it implies more than mere conformity to a rule, legitimately often conveys that an action is both formally permitted and morally or logically justified.
adverbIn a legitimate manner, according to law, justice, or accepted standards. It can also mean genuinely or validly, indicating that something is real or properly established.
- In a manner that conforms to law, justice, or accepted principles.
- In a genuine or valid manner, with proper justification or authority.
"The committee legitimately challenged the decision through the appropriate legal channels."
"Residents legitimately opposed the proposal because it would affect the entire neighbourhood."
"The manuscript is a legitimately sourced document, rather than a modern fabrication."
What is legitimate is not merely lawful: legitimacy joins legal authority with a claim that something is rightful and valid.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does legitimately come from?
Legitimately derives from the adjective legitimate, which comes from Latin legitimus, meaning lawful or according to law. The word entered English in the 16th century and was related to the Latin legal term legitimus, especially in the sense of lawfully established or entitled by law. Its modern form developed through the influence of the related noun legitimacy and the verb legitimise or legitimize. The Latin root is also reflected in other English words concerned with law, validity, and rightful authority.
Related word forms
How legitimately is actually used
Legitimately is often used in formal and legal contexts. In contemporary informal use, it can mean genuinely or truly, as in 'That is a legitimately impressive achievement,' where the sense may suggest validation rather than a question of legality.
Easily confused with legitimately
Legal means permitted or recognised by law, whereas legitimately also suggests that an action is morally fair, justified, or properly established.