legitimate

legitimate

CEFR: C1-C2 /le-git-i-mate/ [l.ah0.jh.ih1.t.ah0.m.ah0.t]

If something is legitimate, that means it is according to the law. To legitimate something is to make it legal, either by passing a law or publicly recognizing it as in accordance with the law.

Example Sentences:
They are laws because they are instructions given by a legitimate authority, not because they are backed up by force.
He was four times married, and had a large number both of legitimate and illegitimate children.
He claimed that the restaurant bill was a legitimate business expense.
Most scientists believe it is legitimate to use animals in medical research.
We want to legitimate this process by passing a law.