How to pronounce legitimate
Say it like luh-JIT-uh-mut. Legitimate has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (JIT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce legitimate. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- luh
- JIT
- uh
- mut
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Legitimate pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- luhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- JITSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- mutKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of legitimate
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: lih-JIT-ih-mit.
What does legitimate mean?
- of marriages and offspring; recognized as lawful
- based on known statements or events or conditions“rain was a logical expectation, given the time of year”
- in accordance with recognized or accepted standards or principles“legitimate advertising practices”
- make legal“Marijuana should be legalized”
- show or affirm to be just and legitimate
- make (an illegitimate child) legitimate; declare the legitimacy of (someone)“They legitimized their natural child”
Where does legitimate come from?
The noun was derived from the adjective within English or earlier by substantivization (see -ate (noun-forming suffix)), the verb from the adjective by conversion (see -ate (verb-forming suffix)).
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying legitimate
How do you pronounce legitimate?
Say luh-JIT-uh-mut. The American pronunciation is /ləˈdʒɪtəmət/. In British English it is /lɪˈdʒɪtɪmɪt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in legitimate?
Legitimate has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (JIT). Broken into parts: luh · JIT · uh · mut.
Is legitimate pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /lɪˈdʒɪtɪmɪt/ (lih-JIT-ih-mit).