Legitimately
What it means
With a valid basis in fact, reason, rules, or right.
Reach for it when qualifying earned pride, justified concern, or properly obtained standing
The crew was legitimately proud after completing every safety test.
Words to choose between 6
| everyday | |
|---|---|
| professional |
|
| formal | |
| literary |
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everyday
Fits when sincerity or reality matters most
Careful Genuinely does not establish rightful status.
-
everyday
properly
Fits when accepted procedure was followed
Careful Properly can reflect etiquette and still lack legitimate authority.
-
professional
Fits when available evidence makes the reaction reasonable
Careful Justifiably concerns support for an action, not authentic origin.
-
formal
Fits when the manner complies specifically with law
Careful Lawfully is too narrow for emotions or evidence-based judgments.
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formal
validly
Fits when procedural effectiveness is the narrow issue
Careful Validly is technical and says little about fairness or good reason.
-
literary
rightfully
Fits when moral entitlement is the intended emphasis
Careful Rightfully can sound argumentative where neutral validity is enough.
Opposites 3
- illegitimately
- wrongfully
- spuriously
Common phrases 3
-
legitimately earned
Her place in the final was legitimately earned over six races.
-
legitimately concerned
Parents were legitimately concerned by the missing inspection log.
-
legitimately elected
The legitimately elected board completed its full term.
Word family 1
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Qwertygiy, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC0 Updated