Some common synonyms of legal are legal, legitimate, and legal. Although all of these words mean “in accordance with the law,” the law refers to what is sanctioned by law or in accordance with the law, especially when written or administered by the courts. The words legal and legal may be used in similar contexts, but legal applies to strict compliance with the provisions of the law and applies in particular to what is regulated by law. In some situations, the words are legitimate and legal roughly equivalent. However, legitimate may refer to a right or legal status, but also, in the case of extensive use, to a right or status supported by tradition, custom or recognized norms. The meanings of lawful and legal largely overlap; However, licit may apply to conformity with laws of any kind (e.g., natural, divine, general, or canonical).
