legit
Legit (adj) means informal for legitimate: genuine, honest, or allowed by the rules. Example: “Is this website legit, or is it a scam?”
How to use legit
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn informal way of saying something is genuine, honest, or real — the opposite of fake or shady.
Very informal — fine in conversation or texting, but write out 'legitimate' in formal or professional writing.
Word forms
more legit comparative, more legit comparative, legits plural, most legit superlative, most legit superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Is this website _____, or is it a scam?
Etymology
A casual shortening of legitimate, common in spoken and online English.
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “legit” mean?
The word “legit” means informal for legitimate: genuine, honest, or allowed by the rules. In plain terms, an informal way of saying something is genuine, honest, or real — the opposite of fake or shady.
How do you pronounce “legit”?
“Legit” is pronounced lih-JIHT (/lɪˈd͡ʒɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “legit” in a sentence?
Here is “legit” used in a sentence: “Is this website legit, or is it a scam?”
What part of speech is “legit”?
Depending on how it is used, “legit” can be an adjective and an adverb.
Is “legit” a common word?
“Legit” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “legit” have?
“Legit” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: informal for legitimate: genuine, honest, or allowed by the rules.
What is the difference between legit and legitimate?
Legit is an informal, clipped form of legitimate, and both describe something genuine, honest, or allowed by the rules. Legitimate is the standard form for careful or formal writing, while legit belongs to casual speech, texting, and informal prose.
Is legit acceptable in formal writing?
No — legit is informal, so essays, reports, and business documents should use legitimate, or alternatives such as genuine or lawful, instead. Legit is fine in conversation, social media, and casual writing where a relaxed tone is expected.
Is legit a real word in the dictionary?
Yes. Legit is an established informal word recorded in dictionaries as an adjective meaning genuine, honest, or allowed by the rules, and as an adverb meaning genuinely or seriously. Its informality, not its existence, is what limits where it should be used.
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