B2adjectivelawpolitics
US/ləˈdʒɪt.ə.mət/
UK/lɪˈdʒɪt.ɪ.mət/
allowed by the law or the rules; also fair and reasonable
In context
Many people asked whether the election result was legitimate.
Workers have a legitimate concern about safety in the new factory.
Check that the website is a legitimate business before you enter your card details.
Words that go with legitimate
adjective + noun
- legitimate concernData privacy is a legitimate concern for app users.
- legitimate reasonYou need a legitimate reason to access a patient's medical records.
- legitimate businessCriminals often hide their money in a legitimate business such as a restaurant.
- legitimate governmentMost countries refused to recognize the military council as the legitimate government.
- legitimate interestParents have a legitimate interest in what their children learn at school.
adverb + adjective
- perfectly legitimateAsking for a pay rise is a perfectly legitimate request.