Understanding ‘Legal’: Definition, Usage, and Common Mistakes
Learn about the word ‘legal’, its meaning, origin, and proper usage. This video covers the definition of ‘legal’ as an adjective, its Latin roots, synonyms, antonyms, and examples in sentences. We also discuss common errors to avoid when using this important term in discussions about law and society.
Have you ever wondered what makes something legal or illegal? Today, we’re going to explore the word legal, an important term for understanding rules and regulations in society.
Word type: Legal is an adjective. This means it describes or modifies a noun.
Meaning: Legal means something that is allowed by law or relates to the law.
It describes actions, things, or situations that follow the rules set by the government or other authorities.
Word history: The word legal comes from the Latin word legalis, which means relating to the law. It has been used in English for many centuries.
Antonyms: The opposite of legal is illegal. Other words that mean not legal include unlawful, prohibited, and forbidden.
Synonyms: Some words that mean the same as legal are lawful, legitimate, and authorized.
Examples use in sentences:
Here are three sentences using the word legal: One. It is legal to drive a car once you have a valid driver’s license.
Two. The company hired a legal team to help with contract negotiations. Three. Before starting a business, make sure all your documents are legal.
Common errors in use: Some people confuse legal with legitimate. While they can sometimes mean the same thing, legitimate can also mean genuine or acceptable in a broader sense, not just in terms of law.
Another common mistake is using legal when talking about medicine. The correct term in that context is usually medicinal.
To sum up, legal is an adjective that describes things that follow the law or are related to law. Understanding this word will help you discuss rules, regulations, and societal norms more effectively in your IELTS exam and in everyday life.
