seem legitimate

[/siːm ləˈdʒɪtɪmət/]
verb phrase
parecer legítimo
1. to appear or give the impression of being lawful, genuine, or justified
The company's explanation didn't seem legitimate to the investigators.
A explicação da empresa não pareceu legítima aos investigadores.
2. to have the appearance of being authentic or credible
His reasons for leaving seem legitimate, but I'm still skeptical.
Suas razões para sair parecem legítimas, mas ainda estou cético.
3. to appear valid or reasonable
The proposal seems legitimate on the surface.
A proposta parece legítima na superfície.
In both American English and Brazilian Portuguese contexts, this phrase is commonly used in business, legal, and everyday conversations when assessing the credibility of explanations, documents, or claims. In American culture, 'legit' is a popular slang shortening. Brazilians may use 'parecer de verdade' informally, while in Portugal more formal language is typically maintained.
NYC Slang
look legit / seem legit
Synonyms / Sinônimos
appear legitimateseem genuineseem authenticseem credibleseem validseem reasonablelook legitimate
Antonyms / Antônimos
seem illegitimateseem fakeseem fraudulentseem dubiousseem suspiciousseem questionable

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
parecer legítimo
standard usage across Brazil
São Paulo
parecer legítimo / parecer de verdade
may use 'de verdade' colloquially for 'genuine'
Rio de Janeiro
parecer legítimo / parecer certo
'parecer certo' is common colloquial alternative
Portugal
parecer legítimo / parecer legítimo
same as Brazilian Portuguese, formal usage preferred

Related Words

legitimacylegitimatelegitimizeauthenticitycredibilityvalidity

Related Idioms & Phrases

seem above board
pass the smell test
ring true
hold water
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