legitimate legitimate /ləˈdʒɪtəmət/

adjective

1. () Authorized, sanctioned by, or in accordance with law  ( lawful , licit , legitimate )
   authorized, sanctioned by, or in accordance with law
    A legitimate government
   a legitimate government
   
2. () Of marriages and offspring; recognized as lawful  ( legitimate )
   of marriages and offspring; recognized as lawful
   
3. () In accordance with recognized or accepted standards or principles  ( legit [Informal] , legitimate )
   in accordance with recognized or accepted standards or principles
    Legitimate advertising practices
   legitimate advertising practices
   
4. () Based on known statements, events or conditions  ( legitimate , logical )
   based on known statements, events or conditions
    Rain was a logical expectation, given the time of year
   rain was a logical expectation, given the time of year
   

verb

1. Make (an illegitimate child) legitimate; declare the legitimacy of (someone)  ( legitimate )
   make (an illegitimate child) legitimate; declare the legitimacy of (someone)
    They legitimized their natural child
   They legitimized their natural child
   
2. Show or affirm to be just and legitimate  ( legitimate )
   show or affirm to be just and legitimate
   
3. Make legal  ( decriminalise [British] , decriminalize , legalise [British] , legalize , legitimate , legitimatise [British] , legitimatize , legitimise [British] , legitimize )
   make legal
    Marijuana should be legalized
   Marijuana should be legalized