What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
authentic
Example
The antique shop sells authentic furniture from the 18th century. [authentic: adjective]
Example
She shared an authentic recipe for traditional Italian pasta. [authentic: adjective]
legitimate
Example
He has a legitimate reason for being late to the meeting. [legitimate: adjective]
Example
The company operates with legitimate business practices. [legitimate: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Legitimate is more commonly used than authentic in everyday language. Legitimate is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while authentic is less common and tends to be used in specific contexts related to objects, experiences, or cultural aspects.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between authentic and legitimate?
Both authentic and legitimate can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, legitimate is often associated with a more formal tone due to its connection to legality and authority.
