|
| le·git·i·mate [ lə jíttimət ] |
adjective |
|
| Definition: |
| |
1. legal: complying with the law, or having official status defined by law
  legitimate tax deductions
a legitimate claim to the land
|
2. conforming to acknowledged standards: complying with recognized rules, standards, or traditions
|
3. well-founded: well reasoned and sincere
We have legitimate reasons for worrying about the quality of our water.
|
4. born in wedlock: born of legally married parents
|
5. theater relating to serious professional drama: performing or involving professionally produced dramatic works that are considered to be serious art, in contrast to such forms as burlesque, revues, and musical comedy
|
transitive verb (past and past participle le·git·i·mat·ed, present participle le·git·i·mat·ing, 3rd person present singular le·git·i·mates) |
|
| Definition: |
| |
1. law legalize something: to make somebody or something lawful, by making, changing, or repealing laws or by decree
|
2. prove something to be lawful: to argue or prove that a claim or action is lawful or reasonable
|
| [15th century. < medieval Latin legitimatus, past participle of legitimare "make legal" < Latin legitimus "lawful" < lex "law"] |
|
| le·git·i·ma·cy noun |
| le·git·i·mate·ly adverb |
| le·git·i·ma·tion [ lə jìtti máysh'n ] noun |
|
|
