Legality
/lɪˈɡæləti/
Definitions
Conformity to the law; lawfulness.
/lɪˈɡæləti/
The state or quality of being in accordance with the law.
The judge questioned the legality of the evidence presented.
💡 Simply: Legality is like playing a game by the rules. If something has legality, it means it follows the law and isn't breaking any rules. For example, if you want to start a business, you have to make sure everything you're doing has legality. This is what your business has to do to be allowed to operate legally.
👶 For kids: Legality means something is following the rules and laws.
More Examples
The company ensured the legality of all their business practices.
The court ruled on the legality of the new policy.
How It's Used
"The legality of the company's actions was under scrutiny."
"The new law's legality was immediately challenged in court."
"They questioned the legality of the proposed merger."
From Middle English "legalite", from Old French "legalité", from Latin "legalis" (lawful) + "-ity" (suffix forming nouns from adjectives).
The term "legality" has been used since the 14th century, primarily in legal and political contexts to discuss the lawfulness of actions and procedures.
Memory tip
Think of "legal" and "quality" combined. If it's legal, it has legality.
Word Origin
"of or relating to law"