1le·git·i·mate 
/lɪˈʤɪtəmət/ adjective
/lɪˈʤɪtəmət/ adjective 1 a : allowed according to rules or laws
▪ a legitimate [=legal, lawful] heir/government/business ▪ legitimate means for achieving success ▪ the legitimate use of firearms
b : real, accepted, or official
▪ It's not clear that the letter is legitimate [=genuine]; it may be a forgery. 2 [more legitimate; most legitimate] : fair or reasonable
▪ We think her concern/excuse is legitimate. = We think she has a legitimate concern/excuse. ▪ There's no legitimate reason for prescribing this medication to a child. ▪ His claim is legitimate. 3 : born to a father and mother who are married
▪ legitimate children — opposite illegitimate
▪ a legitimate [=legal, lawful] heir/government/business ▪ legitimate means for achieving success ▪ the legitimate use of firearms
b : real, accepted, or official
▪ It's not clear that the letter is legitimate [=genuine]; it may be a forgery.
▪ We think her concern/excuse is legitimate. = We think she has a legitimate concern/excuse. ▪ There's no legitimate reason for prescribing this medication to a child. ▪ His claim is legitimate.
▪ legitimate children — opposite illegitimate
— le·git·i·ma·cy /lɪˈʤɪtəməsi/ noun [noncount]
▪ Many question the legitimacy of the law.
/lɪˈʤɪtəməsi/ noun [noncount] ▪ Many question the legitimacy of the law.
— le·git·i·mate·ly adverb
▪ We earned the money legitimately. [=legally] ▪ He can legitimately [=rightfully] claim to be the best athlete in his class.
▪ We earned the money legitimately. [=legally] ▪ He can legitimately [=rightfully] claim to be the best athlete in his class.
