legitimate interpretation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "legitimate interpretation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a valid or acceptable way of understanding or explaining something, often in legal, academic, or analytical contexts. Example: "The court ruled that the defendant's actions were a legitimate interpretation of the law."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

I daresay Loach wouldn't be delighted with me recommending I, Daniel Blake as one of the best free-market libertarian critiques of our bloated welfare system, but I think that's a perfectly legitimate interpretation.

The Guardian - Film

The legal justification remains secret, but we suspect it was based on the finely developed theory that the president does not have to obey the law, and not on any legitimate interpretation of federal statutes.

The New York Times

Mr. Olson, in an interview, said that Mr. Levin's "peddling" remarks were a "legitimate interpretation, unfortunately" of what he did, saying analysts are often involved in helping to market underwritings.

The New York Times

While he is nowhere described as the originator of rules to guide the student in the legitimate interpretation of Holy Scriptures, Hillel is unquestionably one of the most influential Talmudic sponsors and practitioners of a conscious, carefully applied exegetical discipline necessary for the proper explanation of the contents of the Bible.

Encyclopedia Britannica

While I see no reason to follow Holland in thinking that this is the only legitimate interpretation of (F), it is plainly a legitimate interpretation.

SEP

"We recognize science as a legitimate interpretation of God's natural world.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The document, which does not mention legislative intent, says he will employ only "legitimate" interpretations of statutes.

The New York Times

This arbitrary moment of bewildering violence is, unfortunately, the evening's one and only scenic shock; instead of an existentialist Hamlet, a Freudian Hamlet, a Christian Hamlet — all legitimate interpretations — Eustis leaves us with the one kind of Hamlet that the Prince himself would have inveighed against: a melodramatic one.

The New Yorker

Ambiguity is generally taken to be a property enjoyed by signs that bear multiple (legitimate) interpretations.

SEP

Their experiences represent legitimate interpretations into the history of the conflict.

Huffington Post

Our statement of principles, Emet Ve-Emunah, adopted in 1988, affirms that there can be multiple legitimate interpretations of the Torah.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "legitimate interpretation", ensure that the context clearly indicates whose perspective considers the interpretation legitimate. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "legitimate interpretation" to imply universal acceptance when the interpretation is only valid within a specific framework or viewpoint. Qualify the statement to reflect the specific context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "legitimate interpretation" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "legitimate" modifies the noun "interpretation". According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is usable and correct in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

48%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

6%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "legitimate interpretation" is a commonly used phrase that signifies a valid or acceptable understanding, often found in formal contexts like news, science, and legal discussions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While alternatives such as "valid interpretation" and "acceptable interpretation" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance intended. When using the phrase, consider the context and ensure you accurately reflect the viewpoint that deems the interpretation "legitimate". Avoiding overgeneralization and considering the context is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

valid interpretation

Replaces "legitimate" with "valid", emphasizing the soundness and accuracy of the interpretation.

acceptable interpretation

Substitutes "legitimate" with "acceptable", highlighting that the interpretation is satisfactory or permissible.

justifiable interpretation

Uses "justifiable" instead of "legitimate", focusing on the defensibility and reasonableness of the interpretation.

permissible interpretation

Replaces "legitimate" with "permissible", emphasizing that the interpretation is allowed or authorized.

reasonable interpretation

Substitutes "legitimate" with "reasonable", highlighting the logical and rational basis of the interpretation.

defensible interpretation

Uses "defensible" instead of "legitimate", focusing on the ability to support and justify the interpretation.

plausible interpretation

Replaces "legitimate" with "plausible", suggesting the interpretation is believable or credible.

warranted interpretation

Substitutes "legitimate" with "warranted", emphasizing that the interpretation is justified by evidence or reason.

allowable interpretation

Uses "allowable" instead of "legitimate", focusing on the permission or authorization of the interpretation.

authorized interpretation

Replaces "legitimate" with "authorized", highlighting that the interpretation is officially approved or sanctioned.

FAQs

How can I use "legitimate interpretation" in a sentence?

You can use "legitimate interpretation" to describe a valid or acceptable way of understanding something. For example, "The court ruled that the defendant's actions were a "legitimate interpretation" of the law".

What can I say instead of "legitimate interpretation"?

You can use alternatives like "valid interpretation", "acceptable interpretation", or "justifiable interpretation" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "legitimate interpretation" or "legitimate interpretations"?

Both "legitimate interpretation" and "legitimate interpretations" are correct. Use "legitimate interpretation" when referring to a single, valid understanding. Use "legitimate interpretations" when referring to multiple valid understandings.

What's the difference between "legitimate interpretation" and "common interpretation"?

"Legitimate interpretation" implies that the interpretation is valid or acceptable based on certain standards or rules, while "common interpretation" simply means that the interpretation is widely held, regardless of its validity.