legitimate
lih-JIT-uh-mitadjMeaning allowed by law or the rules; also, fair and reasonable
Memory hook LEG-IT: the LEG kick was LEGAL. The referee checks the rule book: Kai’s left-leg kick broke no rule. “Legit!” The goal is legitimate.
Being sick is a legitimate reason to miss practice.
In context The referee ruled that the goal was legitimate, since no player had broken a rule, and all the booing from the stands could not change it.
Similar lawful, legal, valid, rightful
Opposite illegal, unlawful, illegitimate
From Medieval Latin legitimatus, from Latin legitimus, “lawful,” from lex (law).