Legitimate
What it means
Supported by valid rules, sound reasons, or authentic standing.
Reach for it when affirming that a concern, authority, business, or claim merits recognition
Fatigue was a legitimate reason to postpone the mountain crossing.
Words to choose between 8
| everyday | |
|---|---|
| warm | |
| professional | |
| formal |
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everyday
Fits when the concern or object is real rather than fabricated
Careful Genuine does not establish legal or procedural standing.
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everyday
Fits when fitness under accepted procedure is the point
Careful Proper may reflect custom rather than a truly legitimate basis.
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warm
Fits when fair-minded people could accept the basis
Careful Reasonable is weaker when formal authorization must be shown.
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professional
Fits when verified origin or identity is central
Careful Authentic fits objects and expression better than institutional authority.
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professional
Fits when the claim or document meets relevant requirements
Careful Valid may be technically correct without being reasonable or authentic.
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formal
bona fide
Fits when technical language for good-faith genuineness is suitable
Careful Bona fide can sound legalistic in personal reassurance.
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formal
Fits when evidence or circumstances support the action
Careful Justified may describe a single act without confirming legitimacy of the actor.
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formal
Fits when legal permission is the precise issue
Careful A lawful decision can still lack a legitimate public purpose.
Opposites 3
- illegitimate
- fraudulent
- unfounded
Common phrases 3
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legitimate concern
Noise from the damaged bearing was a legitimate concern.
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legitimate claim
The receipts supported her legitimate claim for reimbursement.
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legitimate authority
The treaty recognized the council as the legitimate authority.
Word family 1
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Vealhurl, Southern England accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Updated