legally
LEE-guh-lee
Legally (adv) means In a way that is permitted by law. Example: “The shop can legally refuse service if a customer is rude.”
adv
1
In a way that is permitted by law.
"The shop can legally refuse service if a customer is rude."
"You can legally park in the lot on weekends without paying the fee, they won't ticket you."
"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 notesIn plain EnglishAccording to the law, or from a legal standpoint.
Common pairings
legally binding
legally responsible
legally required
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more legally
- Superlative
- most legally
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The shop can _____ refuse service if a customer is rude.
Etymology
From legal plus the adverb suffix -ly.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for legally
See all rhymes for legally →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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