legitimately
UK[lɪˈdʒɪtɪmətli]US[lɪˈdʒɪtɪmətli]
adv
in a way that is allowed by law or rules; lawfully.
adv
in a way that can be defended with logic or justification; reasonably.
adv
in a way that is genuine and conforms to accepted standards.
Morpheme Breakdown
legitim
ate
ly
legitim
lawful
ate
verb suffix
ly
adverb suffix
Etymology
the word 'legitimately' originates from the latin adjective legitimus, meaning 'lawful', which itself derives from lex (law). this root concept of conformity to law passed through medieval latin and old french before entering english as 'legitimate'. the suffix '-ate' was added to form the adjective and verb, while the old english adverbial suffix '-ly' was later appended to indicate manner. thus, the literal progression from 'according to law' evolved into the modern abstract senses of being justified, valid, or in accordance with accepted standards, capturing both legal and logical correctness.
Analysis
Structure: legitim (lawful) + ate (verb suffix) + ly (adverb suffix)
- legitim: from latin legitimus, meaning 'lawful', from lex (law). functions as the core root.
- ate: a suffix of latin origin used to form verbs (e.g., 'validate'), here part of the adjective 'legitimate'.
- ly: a suffix of old english origin used to form adverbs from adjectives, indicating manner.
Examples
the funds were acquired legitimately through a public grant.
she could legitimately claim to be an expert in the field after decades of research.
the children were placed legitimately into a stable and loving foster home.