Legitimate Meaning
Legitimate Definition & Usage
Conforming to the law or rules; lawful or valid.
Examples
- "The company’s actions were legitimate under the current regulations."
- "His claim to the inheritance was deemed legitimate after a thorough investigation."
- "The protest was deemed legitimate, as it followed proper procedures and obtained necessary permits."
- "Only legitimate business transactions are accepted for tax deductions."
- "The legitimate owner of the land presented their documents in court."
Having full authority or valid grounds; rightful.
Examples
- "She is the legitimate heir to the throne, having been named in the will."
- "The legitimate leader of the group spoke first during the meeting."
- "They made a legitimate attempt to resolve the conflict before turning to legal measures."
- "His position as manager is legitimate, given his years of experience and qualifications."
- "Only legitimate representatives of the company can sign contracts on its behalf."
Reasonable, justified, or acceptable within a particular context or situation.
Examples
- "Her concerns about the new policy are legitimate and should be addressed."
- "It’s legitimate to ask for a raise after completing such a successful project."
- "The concerns raised by the community about the construction project are legitimate and should be taken seriously."
- "His fear of flying is legitimate, given his past traumatic experiences."
- "I believe that your argument is legitimate, but we need more evidence to support it."
Cultural Context
The term 'legitimate' originates from Latin, where 'legitimus' means lawful or in accordance with the law. Over time, it expanded in usage, moving beyond strictly legal contexts to include any situation where something is accepted as valid, proper, or justified. In modern English, it is often used to describe actions, arguments, or situations that are acceptable, justified, or authorized by the relevant rules or authorities.
A Just Claim
Story
A Just Claim
It was a cold morning when Sarah walked into the courtroom, her nerves betraying the calmness her lawyer had tried to instill in her. She had spent months fighting for what she believed was hers — the legitimate right to her father’s estate. The legal documents, however, were a maze of complexity, and the challenge had been grueling. But today, the judge’s ruling would determine everything. As she sat in the witness stand, her opponent, Tom, made his case. 'My father never intended for Sarah to inherit anything. She’s a fraud,' he argued, attempting to invalidate her claim with emotional force. But Sarah remained calm, knowing that her position was legitimate. She had the documents, the witnesses, and the law on her side. After hours of deliberation, the judge spoke: 'The claimant, Sarah, has presented legitimate evidence of her father’s intentions. The will stands.' Sarah’s heart raced with relief as the gavel came down. Tom’s argument, though forceful, had not been legitimate in the eyes of the law. Later, in the hallway, Sarah’s lawyer patted her on the back. 'You did well. Your claim was legitimate, and the judge saw that.' Sarah smiled, grateful for the long road she had traveled and the legitimacy of her father’s final wishes being upheld. It wasn’t just about legal legitimacy — it was about what was just and right. In that moment, Sarah knew she had earned not only her father’s estate but also her place in a world where legitimacy meant fairness, truth, and respect for what was rightful.
Related Words
