Le Present (Present Tense) Conjugation of the French Verb légitimer

Introduction to the verb légitimer

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The English translation of the French verb légitimer is “to legitimate.” It is pronounced as “lay-zhee-tee-may.”

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The word légitimer comes from the French word “légitime,” meaning legitimate, which in turn comes from the Latin word “legitimus.” It is most often used in everyday French to talk about legal or official approval or validation of something.

Examples:

Le gouvernement a l’intention de légitimer cette décision controversée. (The government intends to legitimize this controversial decision.)
Le contrat doit être légitimé par les signatures de toutes les parties. (The contract must be legitimized by the signatures of all parties.)
Les élections ont été considérées comme légitimées par les observateurs internationaux. (The elections were considered to be legitimized by international observers.)

Légitimer – About the French Present Tense

The French present tense, also known as “le présent,” is used to describe actions that are happening at the moment of speaking or for actions that are habitual, general truths, or that will occur in the near future. It’s the most basic and common tense in French.

To take a deep dive into all the French tenses then see our article on Mastering French Tense Conjugation.

Common Everyday Usage Patterns For Le Present

1. Describing Actions in the Present: The present tense is used to describe actions happening right now or at the moment of speaking. For example: “Je parle avec mon ami” (I am talking to my friend).

2. Expressing Habits and Routines: The present tense is used to talk about habitual actions or routines. For example: “Je travaille tous les jours” (I work every day).

3. Stating General Truths: The present tense is used to express general truths or facts. For example: “La Terre tourne autour du soleil” (The Earth orbits around the sun).

4. Talking about Near Future: The present tense can be used to express future actions that are very imminent or part of a planned schedule. For example: “Je pars demain matin” (I am leaving tomorrow morning).

Interactions with Other Tenses

– Present vs. Future Tense: In some cases, the French present tense can be used to express the future when the context makes it clear that the action is imminent. However, for actions further in the future or less certain, the future tense is typically used.

– Present vs. Past Tenses: To describe actions that occurred in the past, you would use the past tenses like the passé composé (compound past) or the imparfait (imperfect). The choice between these past tenses depends on the specific aspect and circumstances of the past action.

– Present vs. Conditional Tense: The conditional tense is used to express actions that are dependent on a condition. If a condition is met, the action may happen. The present tense is used for actions in the present, while the conditional is used for hypothetical or future actions based on conditions.

– Present vs. Imperative: The imperative mood is used to give commands or make requests. The present tense is used for general statements, and the imperative is used for direct orders or requests.

Understanding the French present tense and its interactions with other tenses is crucial for effective communication in French. Without it, you cannot become proficient!

Table of the Present Tense Conjugation of légitimer

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
je	légitime	Je légitime cette décision.	I legitimize this decision.
tu	légitimes	Tu légitimes ta présence ici.	You legitimize your presence here.
il	légitime	Il légitime sa position en tant que chef.	He legitimizes his position as a leader.
elle	légitime	Elle légitime son refus de participer.	She legitimizes her refusal to participate.
on	légitime	On légitime nos actions envers les autres.	We legitimize our actions towards others.
nous	légitimons	Nous légitimons notre choix de carrière.	We legitimize our career choice.
vous	légitimez	Vous légitimez votre opinion avec des faits.	You legitimize your opinion with facts.
ils	légitiment	Ils légitiment leur alliance avec ces entreprises.	They legitimize their alliance with these companies.
elles	légitiment	Elles légitiment leur droit de protester.	They legitimize their right to protest.