Legitimately for Dummies

Legitimately is a word that is often used to describe something that is real, honest, or true. It's kind of like when you have a toy that is an official, authentic version made by the company that created it. When something is legitimately a certain way, it means that it meets certain standards or requirements. It's not fake or pretend. It's the real deal.

There are different ways we can use the word "legitimately" in our everyday conversations. For example, let's say you enter a drawing competition and win first place. You might feel proud and excited about your win, but you might also wonder if it was fair or if there was a mistake. If you find out that everything was done correctly, all the rules were followed, and the judges chose your artwork because it was the best, then you can say that you won legitimately. This means that you won fair and square, and there was no unfair advantage or mistake.

Another way to understand the word "legitimately" is by thinking about sports. In a soccer game, the team that scores the most goals wins. Imagine a situation where a player from the opposing team accidentally kicks the ball into their own goal, giving your team a point. It might not feel right to claim that point because it wasn't scored by your team, and it wasn't intentional. However, if the rules of the game say that any goal counts, even if it's accidental, then your team can legitimately claim that point. It may not have been the way you planned it, but it still counts because it follows the rules.

So, to sum it up, "legitimately" means that something is real, honest, or true. It means that it meets the necessary standards or requirements and that there is no unfairness or mistake involved. It's like when you have a toy that is officially made by the creator or when you win a competition by playing by the rules or when a point is scored in a game according to the rules, even if it's accidental. Remember, it's important to do things legitimately because it shows honesty and fairness.