What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
legalize
Example
The government decided to legalize marijuana for medicinal purposes. [legalize: verb]
Example
The legalization of same-sex marriage was a significant milestone for LGBTQ+ rights. [legalization: noun]
authorize
Example
The manager authorized the employee to make the necessary changes to the project. [authorize: verb]
Example
The authorization code is required to access the secure database. [authorization: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Authorize is more commonly used than legalize in everyday language. Authorize is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while legalize is less common and is typically used in reference to specific actions or items.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between legalize and authorize?
Authorize is generally considered more formal than legalize. Authorize implies an official granting of permission or approval, while legalize can have a more neutral or positive connotation.
