What is legal? Pronunciation and usage in English

legal means . Learn how to pronounce and use legal through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of legal

legaladjective

/ˈliːɡl/
Definition & pronunciation of legal

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "legal" in English. Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈle.ɡəl/ (This is the American English pronunciation)

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  1. "le-": Sounds like "leh" – like the beginning of "leather." It's a short, quick sound.

  2. "-ɡəl": This is where it gets a little tricky.

    • "ɡ": Pronounced like the "g" in "go." It’s a hard "g" sound.
    • "-əl": This is a very short, almost silent "uh" sound. It's almost like you're just lightly touching your mouth to the sound. It's subtle!

Putting it together: "leh-guhl" – but with the last syllable being very short and light.

Here are some helpful tips:

  • Don't overemphasize the "uh" sound at the end. That’s a common mistake.
  • Listen to native speakers: The best way to get the pronunciation right is to hear it. You can find examples on:
    • Google: Search for "how to pronounce legal" and listen to the audio.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/legal/ – This website lets you hear the word pronounced by native speakers from different regions.

Would you like me to:

  • Give you some example sentences using the word "legal"?
  • Compare the pronunciation to another variation (though it's less common)?

Usage and examples with the word legal in English

Let's break down how to use the word "legal" in English. It's a versatile word with several different meanings and uses. Here's a breakdown with examples:

1. Officially Permitted; Compliant with the Law:

  • Most Common Usage: This is by far the most frequent way "legal" is used. It means something is sanctioned by law and therefore permissible.
    • Example: "It’s legal to drive a car in this country." (Driving is allowed by law.)
    • Example: “The contract is legal and binding.” (The agreement complies with legal requirements.)
    • Example: “He’s facing legal charges for his actions.” (He's being prosecuted under the law.)

2. Relating to Law; Having to Do with the Courts:

  • Describing professions, subjects, or fields: “Legal” often describes things connected to the legal system.
    • Example: “She’s a legal scholar specializing in criminal law.” (She studies law.)
    • Example: “He works as a legal aid, helping people who can’t afford lawyers.” (His job involves law.)
    • Example: “The legal system is complex and can be difficult to understand.”

3. Valid; Genuine; Authentic (Often contrasted with “fake” or “illegal”):

  • Used to describe something’s authenticity or legitimacy.
    • Example: “This is a legal document, signed and stamped by an official.” (It's a genuine, verifiable document.)
    • Example: “Please provide a legal copy of your ID.” (A proper, official copy.)

4. (Adjective - Informal) - Acceptable; Okay; Alright: (Less formal and more colloquial)

  • Used to express agreement or approval, often in response to a suggestion or proposal.
    • Example: "Can I borrow $20?" "Yeah, that's legal with you." (Meaning: Okay, it's acceptable.)
    • Example: "Should we go to the movies?" "Sounds legal!" (Meaning: Sounds good!)

5. (Adjective - Rare, Historical) – Standard or Proper:

  • This is an older usage, and you're less likely to hear it, but it meant conforming to established standards or customs. It's largely replaced by words like “conventional” or “proper.”

Key Phrases Using “Legal”:

  • Legal advice: Professional legal guidance.
  • Legal proceedings: Court proceedings.
  • Legal representation: Having a lawyer.
  • Legal ramifications: The consequences of a particular action (often legal).
  • Legal system: The set of laws and institutions that govern a country.

Tips for Using “Legal” Correctly:

  • Context is key: Pay attention to how "legal" is being used in the sentence. The meaning will be clear from the surrounding words.
  • Distinguish from ‘illegal’: “Legal” is the opposite of “illegal.” Understanding this contrast will help you use “legal” correctly.
  • Formal vs. Informal: Be mindful of the tone. The informal usage (“okay”) is best suited for casual conversation.

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to do with the word “legal”? (e.g., writing an essay, having a conversation, answering a test question?)

Synonyms for the word legal

Practice with vocabulary legal

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Before signing the agreement, it is crucial to seek professional __________ advice to understand all implications.
  2. The new regulations aim to establish a clear framework for the use of artificial intelligence, ensuring all applications are __________.
  3. The contract specifies a __________ period for submitting claims, after which no further requests will be entertained.
  4. Despite the unexpected complications, the project manager managed to __________ the task within the stipulated timeframe.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following words describes an action that is permitted or required by the rules of law? a) Unlawful b) Lawful c) Legitimate d) Illicit e) Prohibited

  2. To ensure that the company's data handling policies comply with international standards, the compliance team engaged __________ experts. a) juridical b) licensed c) qualified d) legal e) authorized

  3. The lawyer meticulously reviewed all the __________ documents before the acquisition was finalized. a) obligatory b) formal c) legitimate d) official e) legal

  4. It is essential to maintain a __________ demeanor when representing the company in sensitive negotiations. a) clandestine b) discreet c) covert d) confidential e) private

  5. The arbitrator's decision was considered __________ by both parties, leading to a fair resolution of the dispute. a) impartial b) prejudiced c) objective d) biased e) equitable

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The company's practices are in accordance with the law. Rewrite using "legal" or a related word form:

  2. He received permission from the authorities to proceed with the construction. Rewrite using "legal" or a related word form:

  3. It is against the rules to disclose classified information without proper clearance. Rewrite without using "legal" or its related word forms:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. legal
  2. legal
  3. mandatory
  4. complete

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) Lawful, c) Legitimate
  2. d) legal
  3. c) legitimate, e) legal
  4. b) discreet, d) confidential
  5. a) impartial, c) objective, e) equitable

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The company ensures all its practices are legal. (or: The company maintains legal compliance in its practices.)
  2. He obtained legal authorization to proceed with the construction. (or: He received legal approval from the authorities to proceed with the construction.)
  3. It is prohibited to disclose classified information without proper clearance. (or: It is unlawful to disclose classified information without proper clearance.)

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