Illegitimate
/ˌɪlɪˈdʒɪtɪmət/
Definitions
2 meaningsBorn of parents not lawfully married to each other; not conforming to the rules, laws, or standards.
/ˌɪlɪˈdʒɪtɪmət/
Born of parents not married to each other
The king's illegitimate son was denied his inheritance.
💡 Simply: Imagine a kid whose parents weren't married when they were born. That kid is, sadly, considered illegitimate in some contexts. Think of it like this: if the rules said to color inside the lines, and you colored outside, that action could be considered a bit illegitimate.
👶 For kids: If your parents weren't married when you were born, some people might say you are an illegitimate child.
More Examples
She struggled to overcome the social stigmas associated with being an illegitimate child.
The painting, although unsigned, bore many similarities to the artist's legitimate work, leading to claims that it was, in fact, an illegitimate copy.
How It's Used
"The child was declared illegitimate under the old laws of the time, but later laws granted equal rights to all children."
"Throughout history, illegitimate children often faced social stigma and legal disadvantages."
Not conforming to laws or to rules, principles, or standards; not genuine or proper.
/ˌɪlɪˈdʒɪtɪmət/
Not in accordance with established rules or standards
The government declared the coup an illegitimate seizure of power.
💡 Simply: Imagine you tried to enter a contest using someone else's work. That's illegitimate. It's anything that's not playing by the rules. Like, if your parents had a rule that you couldn't have candy before dinner, having it would be an illegitimate treat!
👶 For kids: If something is not fair or doesn't follow the rules, it's illegitimate.
More Examples
The company was accused of using illegitimate business practices.
The judge ruled that the evidence was obtained through an illegitimate search and could not be used in court.
How It's Used
"The political party called the election results illegitimate due to alleged fraud."
"The company's acquisition of the smaller firm was considered illegitimate by the regulatory bodies."
Idioms & expressions
illegitimate child
A child born to parents who are not married to each other.
"The term 'illegitimate child' is considered outdated now."
illegitimate use
Use of something that is not authorized or violates established rules.
"The software company sued the client for illegitimate use of its product."
From Latin *illegitimatus*, past participle of *illegitimare* "to declare illegitimate," from *in-* "not" + *legitimus* "lawful, legal." The word has been used since the late 14th century.
Historically, the term had significant social and legal implications, particularly regarding inheritance and social standing. It was commonly used in legal and religious contexts.
Memory tip
Think of a child born outside of a legal marriage, they are 'illegitimate'.