"Legitimate" or "Legal"?

[Mehrgan]

Hi all,

Is there any specific element that makes the usage of the two words different? May I have some examples please?


Thanks.

 

[bhaisahab]

Hi all,

Is there any specific element that makes the usage of the two words different? May I have some examples please?


Thanks.

Have you looked them up in a dictionary Mehrgan?

 

[Mehrgan]

Have you looked them up in a dictionary Mehrgan?

Hi,
Yes. The Cambridge Advanced. They're said to be cennected with the law. From a non-native view, it's not that clear where the bounadries between the two words are.

 

[lauralie2]

Hi,
Yes. The Cambridge Advanced. They're said to be c[o]nnected with the law. From a non-native view, it's not that clear where the boun[da]ries between the two words are.

You're right. The boundaries are fuzzy. Try here.

Here's what 'legal' and 'legitimate' mean to me.

• legal: refers to Law
  • "...the term "legitimate"...carries a connotation of approval [Source]"
• legitimate: refers to accepted standards
  • e.g., legitimate business
  • e.g., legitimate advertising practices
  • • legitimate: refers to accepted standards of the laws of reasoning
      • e.g., legitimate solution
  • • • • legitimate: refers to accepted standards of genuine, authentic
          • e.g., legitimate complaint

 

[apex2000]

You may have or need a legal document (prepared by a lawyer or a firm of lawyers).
You may need legal access to your children in circumstances where they are not under your control (divorce).
You may face a legal challenge (being sued).
The court may have to listen to legal arguments from both sides before the case can proceed.

Anything that is legitimate needs to have a legal base.
Free speech is legitimate because the law says so but you have to be careful what you say in case you defame another person when you may face legal proceedings in court.
The legitimacy of everything we do depends upon whether there is a law prohibiting it or we are breaking a law in doing so.