1. Lawful or authorized: This is the most common meaning. Something is legitimate if it is allowed by law or by a recognized authority. For example:
* A legitimate business operates within the bounds of the law and has the necessary permits and licenses.
* A legitimate claim is one that has a sound legal basis.
* A legitimate government is one that has been elected or established through legal means.
2. Genuine or authentic: This meaning implies something is real, not fake or counterfeit. For example:
* A legitimate diamond is a genuine stone, not a cubic zirconia.
* A legitimate work of art is one that was created by the artist it is attributed to.
* A legitimate concern is a genuine worry or reason for anxiety.
3. Morally acceptable: This meaning relates to things that are considered right or appropriate. For example:
* A legitimate argument is one that is based on reason and logic.
* A legitimate way to earn money is one that is ethical and does not involve harming others.
* A legitimate expression of feelings is one that is sincere and does not involve manipulation.
4. Accepted or recognized: This meaning refers to something that is widely accepted or acknowledged, often within a specific field. For example:
* A legitimate theater production is one that is well-produced and has a good reputation.
* A legitimate scientific study is one that has been conducted with proper methods and published in a reputable journal.
The specific meaning of "legitimate" will be determined by the context in which it is used. It's important to consider the surrounding words and phrases to understand the intended meaning.