What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
statutory
Example
The company must comply with all statutory regulations regarding employee safety. [statutory: adjective]
Example
The statutory minimum wage in this country is $10 per hour. [statutory: adjective]
legal
Example
The defendant has a legal right to a fair trial. [legal: adjective]
Example
It is not legal to drive without a valid license. [legal: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Legal is more commonly used than statutory in everyday language. Legal is a versatile word that can be used in a wide range of contexts, while statutory is more limited in scope and is typically used in more formal or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between statutory and legal?
While both words can be used in formal contexts, statutory is generally considered more formal and technical than legal. Legal is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
