French word

légitime

Pronunciation

IPA/leʒitim/

Meaning

  • adjectivejustified

Example

Ta colère est légitime.

Your anger is justified.

Illustration for légitime (justified)

More examples

Il a invoqué la légitime défense.

He invoked legitimate self-defense.

Core concept

A claim or reaction resting on firm legal or reasonable ground, with a clear basis for acceptance.

Common phrases

  • colère légitime

    legitimate anger

  • légitime défense

    legitimate self-defense

  • raison légitime

    legitimate reason

Similar words

juste: Fair and free from injustice or improper bias.
raisonnable: Moderate and sensible enough to be accepted.
fondé: Supported by solid reasons, facts, or evidence.
mérité: Rightfully earned through effort or conduct.

Definition in French

Qui est conforme au droit, à la raison ou à un motif valable, et qui peut être reconnu comme justifié ou fondé.

Word origin

French légitime derives through Old French from Latin legitimus, meaning 'lawful', which is formed from lex, 'law'.

Usage tips

  • In modern French, légitime often describes feelings or claims as justified, not only actions or situations recognized by law.

Other meanings

  • validadjective

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word