Legitimately

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Melanie

#267198 Thu, 14 Sep 06 11:59 PM

I hear people say legitimately a couple times, and I have checked the dictionary for its meaning, but I still could not understand what really is the meaning. The way they used the word didn't seem fit into the definition. Could somebody give me an example and explain?

Thank you in advance.

Melanie

Joined on Sat, May 22 2004

New Member (27)

Marius Hancu

#267210 Fri, 15 Sep 06 12:23 AM

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le·git·i·mate·ly

Function:adverb

: in a legitimate manner : according to law or rules : LEGALLY, PROPERLY <in a position to see, quite legitimately, what appeared to be an official dispatch -- Elmer Davis> <an obscure region on which curiosity is legitimately focused -- Geographical Journal>

M-W unabridged
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Marius Hancu

Joined on Wed, Apr 26 2006

Montreal, Canada

Veteran Member (11,673)

Verbs, Adverbs

Annvan

#267218 Fri, 15 Sep 06 12:53 AM

It can also be used to mean "rightfully"/ "based on good reason", e.g. "He was legitimately scared." = He had good reason to be scared, his fear was justified, it was based on a real situation.