Legitimate means lawful, reasonable, valid, and justifiable, adhering to established rules or principles.
30초 단어
- Lawful, reasonable, and acceptable.
- Valid and justifiable.
- Adheres to rules and principles.
Overview
The word 'legitimate' is a versatile adjective used to describe something that is lawful, reasonable, or generally accepted. It implies adherence to rules, laws, or established principles, suggesting that something is not fraudulent, illegal, or illegitimate. When used to describe a claim, an action, or a request, it means it is valid, justifiable, and has a sound basis.
Overview: 'Legitimate' is used when discussing legality, validity, and reasonableness. It can apply to a wide range of situations, from legal matters and business transactions to personal decisions and social interactions. For instance, a business needs a legitimate reason to terminate a contract, or a child might have a legitimate concern about their safety. It contrasts with 'illegitimate,' which means unlawful or unreasonable.
Usage Patterns: 'Legitimate' is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, though its usage leans more towards formal or neutral settings, especially when discussing legal or official matters. In spoken English, it's used to express approval or validation of something. In written English, it appears frequently in legal documents, business reports, academic papers, and news articles. It can also be used in everyday conversations when assessing the validity or justification of something.
Common Contexts: In the workplace, 'legitimate' is crucial for discussing contracts, reasons for termination, business practices, and employee rights. In academic settings, it might refer to legitimate research methods or valid arguments. In daily life, it can be used to describe a legitimate concern, a legitimate excuse for being late, or a legitimate interest in a topic. For example, one might ask if a charity is legitimate or if a political candidate has a legitimate claim to leadership.
예시
The court ruled that the contract was legitimate and legally binding.
legalLa corte dictaminó que el contrato era legítimo y legalmente vinculante.
She has a legitimate claim to the inheritance based on her father's will.
legalElla tiene un reclamo legítimo a la herencia basándose en el testamento de su padre.
We need to ensure that all our business expenses are legitimate.
businessNecesitamos asegurarnos de que todos nuestros gastos de negocio sean legítimos.
Is it legitimate to ask for someone's personal information online?
social¿Es legítimo pedir información personal de alguien en línea?
He expressed his legitimate concerns about the project's budget.
academicExpresó sus preocupaciones legítimas sobre el presupuesto del proyecto.
The police are investigating whether the organization is a legitimate charity.
daily lifeLa policía está investigando si la organización es una caridad legítima.
자주 쓰는 조합
자주 쓰는 구문
legitimate interest
interés legítimo
legitimate defense
defensa legítima
자주 혼동되는 단어
'Legal' specifically means permitted by law. 'Legitimate' is broader and can mean lawful, but also reasonable, justifiable, or generally accepted.
'Valid' means well-founded or logical, often used for arguments, evidence, or tickets. 'Legitimate' implies legality or adherence to rules, but can overlap significantly with 'valid' when discussing reasons or claims.
문법 패턴
How to Use It
사용 참고사항
Use 'legitimate' to describe something that is lawful, reasonable, or justifiable. It is often used in formal contexts like legal or business discussions, but also applicable in everyday situations to assess the validity of something.
자주 하는 실수
Learners sometimes confuse 'legitimate' with 'legal'. While related, 'legitimate' has a broader meaning encompassing reasonableness and justification beyond strict legal compliance.
Tips
Check for Justification
When you hear or read 'legitimate,' ask yourself: Is there a good reason or justification for this? Is it allowed by rules or laws?
Avoid Overuse in Casual Talk
While 'legitimate' is understood, using it too often in very casual conversation might sound overly formal or slightly stiff.
Cultural Acceptance
What is considered 'legitimate' can sometimes vary across cultures, especially concerning social norms and practices.
어원
From Latin 'legitimus,' meaning lawful, from 'lex' (law). It entered English in the 14th century.
문화적 맥락
In some cultures, the concept of legitimacy extends beyond mere legality to include social acceptance and traditional authority.
암기 팁
Think of 'legitimate' as 'legal-mate.' If something is legal and aligns with your 'mate' (a friend, meaning it's fair and reasonable), it's likely legitimate.
자주 묻는 질문
8 질문The opposite of 'legitimate' is 'illegitimate,' which means unlawful, unreasonable, or not authorized.
Yes, 'legitimate' can describe people, often in the context of lineage (e.g., a legitimate heir) or in a more figurative sense to mean genuine or authentic (e.g., a legitimate leader).
Not always. While it often relates to law, it can also mean reasonable, justifiable, or valid in a broader sense, even outside of legal contexts.
In business, it refers to lawful operations, valid contracts, justifiable expenses, and reasonable business practices.
A 'legitimate concern' means a worry or issue that is valid, reasonable, and deserves attention.
Yes, it can. For example, someone might have a legitimate reason to feel angry or upset.
Yes, 'legitimate' is a common word, especially in formal and semi-formal English, often used to validate or question the authenticity or legality of something.
'Legal' specifically means permitted by law, whereas 'legitimate' can encompass legality but also broader concepts of reasonableness, justification, and social acceptance.
셀프 테스트
The company provided a ______ reason for the delay in production.
The sentence implies a good or acceptable reason, making 'valid' the best fit. 'Legitimate' would also work here, but 'valid' is a common synonym in this context.
Do you have a legitimate reason for being absent?
'Legitimate' in this context means that the reason should be valid, acceptable, and justifiable.
is / this / a / loan / legitimate / company / for
The words are arranged to form a question asking if the company is authorized or valid for providing loans.
점수: /3
Summary
Legitimate means lawful, reasonable, valid, and justifiable, adhering to established rules or principles.
- Lawful, reasonable, and acceptable.
- Valid and justifiable.
- Adheres to rules and principles.
Check for Justification
When you hear or read 'legitimate,' ask yourself: Is there a good reason or justification for this? Is it allowed by rules or laws?
Avoid Overuse in Casual Talk
While 'legitimate' is understood, using it too often in very casual conversation might sound overly formal or slightly stiff.
Cultural Acceptance
What is considered 'legitimate' can sometimes vary across cultures, especially concerning social norms and practices.
예시
6 / 6The court ruled that the contract was legitimate and legally binding.
La corte dictaminó que el contrato era legítimo y legalmente vinculante.
She has a legitimate claim to the inheritance based on her father's will.
Ella tiene un reclamo legítimo a la herencia basándose en el testamento de su padre.
We need to ensure that all our business expenses are legitimate.
Necesitamos asegurarnos de que todos nuestros gastos de negocio sean legítimos.
Is it legitimate to ask for someone's personal information online?
¿Es legítimo pedir información personal de alguien en línea?
He expressed his legitimate concerns about the project's budget.
Expresó sus preocupaciones legítimas sobre el presupuesto del proyecto.
The police are investigating whether the organization is a legitimate charity.
La policía está investigando si la organización es una caridad legítima.
빠른 퀴즈
The security guard refused entry because the visitor did not have a ______ reason to be in the building.
정답!
정답은: legitimate
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