legally
gb/lˈiɡəli/ us/lˈiɡəli/
B1
English
~ 8200
legálisan, jogilag
B1
1
legálisan
B1
Usage pattern:
to [do something] legally
The company claims it obtained all the data legally.
A vállalat azt állítja, hogy az összes adatot legálisan szerezte meg.
After the visa was approved, she could finally work legally in the country.
Miután jóváhagyták a vízumát, végre legálisan dolgozhatott az országban.
You can legally download this software from the official website.
He argued that the police had not entered the house legally.
The protest was peaceful and legally permitted by the city.
Learner examples
You must be 18 to buy alcohol legally here.
Itt 18 évesnek kell lenned ahhoz, hogy legálisan alkoholt vásárolhass.
She wants to stay in the country legally.
Legálisan szeretne az országban maradni.
He asked a lawyer how to start his business legally.
They are trying to bring the money into the country legally.
I am not sure if we can do this legally.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use "legal" instead of "legally" before verbs, for example *"You must drive legal"* instead of the correct *"You must drive legally"*. Remember: use "legal" before nouns (a legal document) and "legally" before verbs (act legally) or adjectives (legally valid). Learners also sometimes say *"by the legal way"*; it is more natural to say "legally".
Meaning
in a way allowed by law
Collocations
act legally
|operate legally
|work legally
|legally download
|legally sell
|legally purchase
Synonyms
lawfully (A bit more formal and less common in everyday speech, but means almost the same: in agreement with the law.)
Antonyms
illegally (Means in a way that breaks the law, the direct opposite of acting legally.)
Themes
law
|society
|business
|core_vocabulary
Definition
In a way that the law allows; not against the law.
In a way that follows the law and is not illegal.
B2
2
jogilag
B2
Usage pattern:
[someone/something] is legally [adjective]
They are still legally married, even though they live apart.
Jogilag még mindig házasok, bár külön élnek.
In many countries you are legally an adult at 18.
Sok országban 18 évesen jogilag nagykorúnak számítasz.
The company is legally responsible for any damage caused by its products.
He is legally blind, even though he can see shapes and colors.
According to the contract, she is legally entitled to a bonus.
Learner examples
They are legally married but want a divorce.
Jogilag házasok, de el akarnak válni.
At 18, you are legally an adult in my country.
Az én országomban 18 évesen jogilag nagykorúnak számítasz.
The hotel is legally responsible for your safety.
He is legally blind and cannot drive a car.
She is legally the owner of the house.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse "legally" with "officially" or "technically". "Legally" focuses on what the law says; for example, someone may be legally an adult at 18 even if many people do not see them as very mature. Use "legally" when the specific rules of law are important.
Meaning
in terms of legal status
Collocations
legally married
|legally an adult
|legally responsible
|legally liable
|legally dead
|legally blind
Synonyms
officially (in law) ("Officially" is more general; adding "in law" makes it clear you mean in the legal sense, like "legally".)
Antonyms
informally (Describes how something is seen in everyday life or custom, not in the strict, official sense of the law, contrasting with "legally".)
Themes
law
|society
|core_vocabulary
Definition
As the law officially sees or describes someone or something, especially their status.
As recognized or defined by law, especially when talking about a person’s or thing’s official status.
Grammar
Dictionary form
legally
IPA
GB/lˈiɡəli/
US/lˈiɡəli/
Syllables & stress
leg - ally (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (leg)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: legally
- Plural: legallies
Word family
Forms
legallies
noun
Related words
Negative and opposite forms
Advanced or less common
legality
noun
illegality
noun
legalistic
adjective
Expressions
legally binding
1/lˈiɡəli bˈaɪndɪŋ/
fixed phrase
having legal force or effect
Describes an agreement or document that the law will enforce; people must follow it or they can be punished or sued.
Examples
- Make sure the contract is legally binding before you sign it.
- Without his signature, the agreement will not be legally binding.
legally blind
1/lˈiɡəli blˈaɪnd/
fixed phrase
having very low vision by law
Describes a person who has such poor eyesight that the law counts them as blind, even if they can see a little.
Examples
- She is legally blind but can still see large shapes and bright colors.
- Being legally blind makes him eligible for certain government benefits.
legally liable for
1/lˈiɡəli lˈaɪəbəl fɚ/
fixed phrase
legally responsible for something
Used when the law says a person or company must pay for damage, loss, or problems they caused.
Examples
- If the product is unsafe, the manufacturer can be legally liable for injuries.
- Drivers may be legally liable for accidents they cause through careless driving.
legally obliged to
1/lˈiɡəli əblˈaɪd͡ʒd tə/
fixed phrase
formal
formally duty-bound by law
Means that the law gives someone a formal duty to do something; if they do not do it, there may be legal consequences.
Examples
- The company is legally obliged to protect your personal data.
- Landlords are legally obliged to keep the building in good condition.
legally required to
1/lˈiɡəli ɹikwˈaɪɚd tə/
fixed phrase
must do something by law
Used when the law says that a person or company must do something; it is not a choice.
Examples
- Employers are legally required to provide a safe workplace.
- You are legally required to pay taxes on this income.