What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
formalize
Example
We need to formalize our agreement in writing to make it official. [formalize: verb]
Example
The company decided to formalize its hiring process to ensure fairness and consistency. [formalize: verb]
legitimize
Example
The new law will legitimize the use of medical marijuana for certain conditions. [legitimize: verb]
Example
The company hired a well-known consultant to legitimize their business practices. [legitimize: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Formalize is more commonly used than legitimize in everyday language. Formalize is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while legitimize is more specific and has a narrower range of usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between formalize and legitimize?
Both formalize and legitimize are formal words that are typically used in professional or academic contexts. However, formalize can also be used in informal contexts, while legitimize is less common in casual conversation.
