Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Conforming to or permitted by law: Describes something that is authorized, sanctioned, or not forbidden by the official rules or statutes of a society.
   • Relating to the law or its administration: Pertaining to the profession of law, the practice of lawyers and judges, or matters connected with jurisprudence.
   • Having legal force or effect: Recognized as valid and binding under the law.
   • Established by or founded upon law: Created, defined, or required by statutory or regulatory authority.

Usage and Examples

• Conforming to law:
  • Driving above the speed limit is not legal.
  • The company ensured all its operations were legal.
• Relating to the law:
  • She sought legal advice from a qualified attorney.
  • The judge has a long and distinguished legal career.
• Having legal force:
  • Once signed, the contract becomes a legal document.
  • You need a legal guardian's signature if you are under 18.
• Established by law:
  • The legal drinking age varies from country to country.
  • They are the legal owners of the land.

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• "Legal entity": An organization or unit (like a corporation) that has legal rights and obligations separate from its members.
  • A limited liability company (LLC) is a common type of legal entity.
• "Legal tender": Currency that must be accepted if offered in payment of a debt.
  • Coins and banknotes issued by the government are legal tender.
• "To take legal action": To begin a lawsuit or formal legal proceedings.
  • The tenant threatened to take legal action if the landlord did not make repairs.

Variants and Related Words

• Legally (adverb): In a way that conforms to or is permitted by law.
  • He was legally obligated to report the incident.
• Legality (noun): The quality or state of being in accordance with the law.
  • The legality of the new regulation was challenged in court.
• Legalize (verb): To make something that was illegal permissible by law.
  • Some states have moved to legalize certain substances for medical use.

Synonyms

• Lawful: Allowed or recognized by law. (Often interchangeable with "legal," but can imply a stronger sense of moral rightness.)
• Legitimate: Conforming to the law or to rules; valid.
• Authorized: Officially permitted or empowered.
• Licensed: Having official permission to do something.

Antonyms

• Illegal: Contrary to or forbidden by law.
• Unlawful: Not conforming to, permitted by, or recognized by law.
• Illicit: Forbidden by law, rules, or custom.

Common Collocations and Phrases

• Legal system: The framework of rules and institutions in a society.
• Legal right: An entitlement that is protected by law.
• Legal proceeding: A formal activity conducted within the legal system (e.g., a trial).
• Legal status: The position of someone or something as defined by law (e.g., citizen, resident, corporation).

Adjective

1. allowed by official rules
   • a legal pass receiver
2. relating to or characteristic of the profession of law
   • the legal profession
3. having legal efficacy or force
   • a sound title to the property
4. of or relating to jurisprudence
   • legal loophole
5. established by or founded upon law or official or accepted rules