Legitimate

Legitimate

Adjective / Verb · /lɪˈdʒɪtɪmɪt/

Definition

Conforming to the law, rules, or established standards; genuine and justified; born of legally married parents (historical sense). As a verb: to make lawful or declare legitimate.

Origin

From Medieval Latin legitimus — lawful, from lex (law). Entered English in the 15th century via the adjective form; the verb sense followed shortly after. The root lex also gives us legal, legislation, and legitimate's close cousin — legitimacy.