VocabDictionary

legal tender

/ˈliː.ɡəl ˈtɛn.dər/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

Coins or banknotes that must be accepted if offered in payment of a debt, according to national law.

Example Sentences:
  • Paper currency and coins issued by the central bank are recognized as legal tender for all debts.
  • Some small businesses refuse to accept cash, preferring digital payments even though banknotes are legal tender.
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English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “legal tender”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

The term combines 'legal,' derived from the Latin 'legalis' (pertaining to the law), and 'tender,' from the Middle English 'tenden' and Old French 'tendre,' meaning to offer or present. Historically, it refers to a currency that an established government has declared must be accepted in the payment of debts.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of 'tender' as an offer you make that the law ('legal') forces creditors to accept.

Frequently Asked Questions About “legal tender

1. What is the meaning of “legal tender” in English?

In English, legal tender (noun) is defined as: “Coins or banknotes that must be accepted if offered in payment of a debt, according to national law.”.

2. How do you use “legal tender” in a sentence?

Paper currency and coins issued by the central bank are recognized as legal tender for all debts.

3. What are English synonyms of “legal tender”?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “legal tender”?

The term combines 'legal,' derived from the Latin 'legalis' (pertaining to the law), and 'tender,' from the Middle English 'tenden' and Old French 'tendre,' meaning to offer or present. Historically, it refers to a currency that an established government has declared must be accepted in the payment of debts.