Reading Theme:
Legal: Definition, Usage & Common Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：connected with the law (legal)
legal
/ˈliːɡl/
adj.
connected with or involving the law
connected with the law
➕
/kənˈnektɪd wɪð ðə lɔː/
adj.
Describes anything that is related to or involves the law, such as legal procedures or advice.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'legalis', meaning 'pertaining to the law', derived from 'lex, legis' (law).
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'legal' as laws that keep society's legs standing strong.
📖 Example
The startup founder needed legal guidance to register the company properly.
The startup founder needed legal guidance to register the company properly.
🔗 Collocations
legal advice – professional guidance on legal matters
legal document – an official paper related to the law
legal system – the framework of laws and courts in a country
🔄 Synonyms
🌱 Derivatives
📖 Cultural Story
The word 'legal' originates from Latin 'legalis', related to 'lex' meaning law. It entered English via Old French and has been used since the 15th century in legal contexts.
Meaning 2：allowed by law (legal)
legal
/ˈliːɡl/
adj.
allowed or accepted by law
allowed by law
➕
/əˈlaʊd baɪ lɔː/
adj.
Indicates that something is permitted or accepted according to the law.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
In many countries, it is legal to use solar panels for home energy.
In many countries, it is legal to use solar panels for home energy.
🔗 Collocations
legal age – the age at which a person is considered an adult by law
legal tender – currency that must be accepted for payment of debts
legal right – a right that is protected by law
🔄 Synonyms
lawful (adj.) – conforming to or permitted by law
legitimate (adj.) – allowed or recognized by law
permitted (adj.) – officially allowed
🚫 Antonyms
illegal (adj.) – not allowed by law
prohibited (adj.) – formally forbidden by law
🌱 Derivatives
legally (adv.) – in a way that is allowed by law
legalization (n.) – the process of making something legal
Wordbook
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