How to Pronounce Legitimate

"Legitimate" is not spelled the way it sounds. Its pronunciation is /ɫəˈdʒɪtəmət/ in IPA and it has 4 syllables. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents — the audio is the reliable guide for a word like this.

legitimate

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Syllables

Letters

/ɫəˈdʒɪtəmət/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “legitimate”

"legitimate" has 4 syllables: legitimate.

What does legitimate mean?

noun

A person born to a legally married couple.

verb

To make legitimate, lawful, or valid; especially, to put in the position or state of a legitimate person before the law, by legal means.

adjective

In accordance with the law or established legal forms and requirements.
Conforming to known principles, or established or accepted rules or standards; valid.
“legitimate reasoning; a legitimate standard or method”

Synonyms

legitimizelawfullegalrightful

Antonyms

bastardillegitimatefalse

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Sounds worth drilling for a word spelled like this:

/dʒ/ — j /l/ — l /ə/ — schwa

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "legitimate"?▾

How many syllables are in "legitimate"?▾

"Legitimate" has 4 syllables.

What is the IPA transcription of "legitimate"?▾

The IPA transcription of "legitimate" is /ɫəˈdʒɪtəmət/.

What does "legitimate" mean?▾

Legitimate: A person born to a legally married couple.

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