French word

légalement

Pronunciation

IPA/legaləmɑ̃/

Meaning

  • adverblegally

Example

Nous devons agir légalement.

We must act legally.

Illustration for légalement (legally)

More examples

Il veut travailler légalement dans ce pays.

He wants to work legally in this country.

Core concept

An action kept within the boundaries set by law.

Common phrases

  • agir légalement

    act legally

  • travailler légalement

    work legally

  • être légalement responsable

    be legally responsible

Similar words

illégalement: Without obeying the law or obtaining required legal authorization.

Definition in French

D'une manière conforme à la loi en vigueur.

Word origin

Légalement is formed from the adjective légal with the adverbial suffix -ement; légal comes from Latin legalis, meaning 'of the law'.

Usage tips

  • Légalement is a formal, explicit choice when stating that an action complies with the law, whereas c'est légal commonly asks or states whether something is lawful.

Opposites

  • illégalementillegallyadverb

Related words

Word lists with this word