Is legally more formal than lawfully?

They are close, but legally is more common in everyday writing. Lawfully sounds more formal and legal.

What is the difference between legally and officially?

Legally means allowed by law. Officially means approved by an authority, which may not be the law.

How do I use legally in a sentence?

Use it before a verb or adjective: "She is legally married." "They can legally sell this product."

← Dictionary

legally

/ˈliː.ɡəl.i/

IELTSAcademic

adverb

In a way that is allowed by law. It can also mean according to legal rules or official law.

She is legally allowed to work here.
The company acted legally.
He is legally married.

Adinary Nuance

Use legally when you mean something is allowed by law, not just accepted in practice. It is narrower than "properly" and more specific than "officially." In writing, it often appears in legal, business, and government contexts.

In other languages

Vietnamese: hợp pháp
Spanish: legalmente
Chinese: 合法地
Japanese: 法的に
Korean: 합법적으로

Etymology

From legal + -ly. It entered English from Latin legalis through French legal, with the adverb form built later in English.

Common phrases

legally bindinglegally requiredlegally responsiblelegally married

Synonyms

lawfully by law officially

Related words

legal illegal lawfully law

Frequently asked questions

Is legally more formal than lawfully?: They are close, but legally is more common in everyday writing. Lawfully sounds more formal and legal.
What is the difference between legally and officially?: Legally means allowed by law. Officially means approved by an authority, which may not be the law.
How do I use legally in a sentence?: Use it before a verb or adjective: "She is legally married." "They can legally sell this product."