Meaning & use
legitimately
In a way that is lawful, genuine, or reasonably justified.
See it in a sentence
He legitimately earned the promotion through years of extra hours and training.
She was legitimately worried after hearing strange noises from the attic.
A note on using this word
Legitimately can describe both legal correctness and a reasonable, understandable reaction, so meaning depends on context.
Words with a similar meaning
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
illegitimatelyfalsely
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “legitimately”, then compare your use with the examples above.
Your draft stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.