What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
legitimate
Example
The company has a legitimate reason for terminating the employee. [legitimate: adjective]
Example
The government only recognizes legitimate businesses that follow the regulations. [legitimate: adjective]
Example
Her concerns about the project's feasibility are legitimate and should be addressed. [legitimate: adjective]
official
Example
The official statement from the company confirmed the merger with their competitor. [official: adjective]
Example
The official representative of the organization will attend the conference. [official: noun]
Example
The official results of the election were announced last night. [official: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Official is more commonly used than legitimate in everyday language, especially in legal or governmental contexts. Legitimate is less common but still widely used in various contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between legitimate and official?
Official is typically associated with a formal or official tone, while legitimate can be used in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
