Legitimate
/lɪˈdʒɪtɪmət/
Definitions
- (adj.) Conforming to the law or to rules; lawful.
The company took legitimate steps to protect its intellectual property.
- (adj.) Authentic or genuine; not counterfeit or false.
He provided legitimate evidence to support his claim.
- (adj.) Having a valid reason or justification.
She had a legitimate interest in the outcome of the case.
Forms
- legitimates
- legitimating
- legitimated
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Often used to distinguish lawful or genuine matters from those that are unlawful or fraudulent; clarity in context helps avoid ambiguity between legal and moral legitimacy.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.