Inklingo
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legítimo

leh-HEE-tee-moh/leˈxitimo/

“legítimo” means “genuine” in Spanish (referring to authenticity).

genuine, legitimate

Also: real, lawful
A shiny, golden crown sitting on a red velvet cushion, representing authenticity and genuineness.

📝 In Action

Esta es una pintura legítima de Dalí.

B1

This is a genuine painting by Dalí.

Tienes un motivo legítimo para estar enojado.

B1

You have a legitimate reason to be angry.

Él es el heredero legítimo de la fortuna.

B2

He is the lawful heir to the fortune.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • falso (fake)
  • ilegítimo (illegitimate)
  • espurio (false/not genuine)

Common Collocations

  • defensa legítima – self-defense
  • hijo legítimo – legitimate child
  • gobierno legítimo – legitimate government

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: legítimo

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'legítimo' to mean 'genuine' or 'authentic'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
legitimidad(legitimacy) — Noun
legitimar(to legitimize) — Verb
legítimamente(legitimately) — Adverb
🎵 Rhymes▼
marítimoúltimo
📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin word 'legitimus', which comes from 'lex' (law). It originally described things that were fixed or allowed by legal standards.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: legitimateFrench: légitimeItalian: legittimo

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use 'legítimo' for people?

Yes, but usually in a formal or legal sense, such as 'el heredero legítimo' (the rightful heir) or 'mi legítima esposa' (my lawful wife).

What is 'defensa legítima'?

It is the legal term for 'self-defense.' It describes using force that is justified because you were protecting yourself.