I. le ‧ git ‧ i ‧ mate 1 /ləˈdʒɪtəmət, lɪˈdʒɪtəmət/ BrE AmE adjective
[ Date: 1400-1500 ; Language: Medieval Latin ; Origin: past participle of legitimare 'to legitimize' , from Latin legitimus 'legitimate' , from lex 'law' ]
1 . fair or reasonable:
That’s a perfectly legitimate question.
Most scientists believe it is legitimate to use animals in medical research.
2 . acceptable or allowed by law:
Their business operations are perfectly legitimate.
3 . a legitimate child is born to parents who are legally married to each other OPP illegitimate
—legitimately adverb :
a legitimately elected government
He complained quite legitimately about his treatment.
—legitimacy noun [uncountable] :
Opponents have questioned the legitimacy of the ruling.
II. le ‧ git ‧ i ‧ mate 2 /ləˈdʒɪtəmeɪt, lɪˈdʒɪtəmeɪt/ BrE AmE verb [transitive]
the usual American form of ↑ legitimize