adv B1 Intermediate Common

legally

LEE-guh-lee

Legally (adv) means In a way that is permitted by law. Example: “You must be legally allowed to work in this country.”

adv

In a way that is permitted by law.

"You must be legally allowed to work in this country."

"The company was legally required to disclose the risks."

How to use legally

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAccording to the law, or from a legal standpoint.

Common pairings

legally binding legally responsible legally required

Word forms

more legally comparative, most legally superlative

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You must be _____ allowed to work in this country.

Etymology

From legal plus the adverb suffix -ly.

Synonyms

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lawfully legitimately licitly permissibly rightfully by law

Related words

actually honestly officially legitimately rightfully lawfully licitly unlawfully

Rhymes for legally

ally bally sally Wally dally rally tally pally really locally usually equally

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Frequently asked questions

What does “legally” mean?

The word “legally” means in a way that is permitted by law. In plain terms, according to the law, or from a legal standpoint.

How do you pronounce “legally”?

“Legally” is pronounced LEE-guh-lee (/ˈliːɡəli/ in IPA).

How do you use “legally” in a sentence?

Here is “legally” used in a sentence: “You must be legally allowed to work in this country.”

What part of speech is “legally”?

“Legally” is an adverb.

Is “legally” a common word?

“Legally” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

What is the difference between 'legally' and 'lawfully'?

Both words mean in a way that is permitted by law. 'Legally' is the more common, everyday choice, while 'lawfully' has a more formal tone and appears often in legal and official writing.

What is the difference between 'legally' and 'illegally'?

'Legally' describes an action done in a way that the law permits. 'Illegally' describes an action that breaks the law. They are direct opposites, as in 'parked legally' versus 'parked illegally.'

What is the opposite of 'legally'?

The opposite of 'legally' is 'illegally' or 'unlawfully,' meaning in a way that is not permitted by law. 'Illegally' is the most common everyday choice.

Where does 'legally' go in a sentence?

'Legally' can start a sentence to comment on the whole statement, as in 'Legally, the contract is binding.' It can also sit before the verb it modifies, as in 'they are legally required to pay.'

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