What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dinkum
Example
I can assure you that this is the dinkum truth. [dinkum: adjective]
Example
He's a dinkum bloke, always telling it like it is. [dinkum: adjective]
Example
The dinkum reason for his absence was a family emergency. [dinkum: noun]
legitimate
Example
The company has a legitimate claim to the property. [legitimate: adjective]
Example
She is a legitimate heir to the throne. [legitimate: adjective]
Example
His argument is legitimate and well-supported. [legitimate: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Legitimate is more commonly used than dinkum in everyday language. Legitimate is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while dinkum is less common and is mostly used in Australian English.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dinkum and legitimate?
Legitimate is a more formal word than dinkum. While legitimate can be used in both formal and informal contexts, it is more commonly used in formal settings, such as legal or academic writing. Dinkum, on the other hand, is an informal word that is mostly used in casual conversations or informal writing.
