adj
Common
legit
lih-JIHT
Legit (adj) means informal for legitimate: genuine, honest, or allowed by the rules. Example: “I checked the seller's reviews first to make sure the shop was legit.”
adj
1
Informal for legitimate: genuine, honest, or allowed by the rules.
"I checked the seller's reviews first to make sure the shop was legit."
"Is this website legit, or is it a scam?"
"Her business is completely legit — all the paperwork checks out."
adv
1
Informal for genuinely or seriously.
"That film was legit scary, and I could not sleep afterwards."
"He was legit shocked when they threw him a surprise party."
"I'm legit exhausted after that shift."
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.
When to use it
Very informal — fine in conversation or texting, but write out 'legitimate' in formal or professional writing.
Common pairings
legit business
sounds legit
looks legit
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Word forms
- Plural
- legits
- Comparative
- more legit
- Superlative
- most legit
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
I checked the seller's reviews first to make sure the shop was _____.
Etymology
A casual shortening of legitimate, common in spoken and online English.
Synonyms
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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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