Legitimacy
ləˈdʒɪtɪməsi
Definitions
2 meaningsThe state of being in accordance with the rules, principles, or standards; lawfulness, or the quality of being real, true, or justifiable.
ləˈdʒɪtɪməsi
The quality of being accepted as valid or correct.
The legitimacy of the election results was hotly debated.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're getting a special award. To get it, you need to follow all the rules. *Legitimacy* is like saying your award is earned fairly and correctly. Think of a winning lottery ticket - it has *legitimacy* because it was legally and correctly given.
👶 For kids: It means something is fair and follows the rules. Like when you play a game and everyone agrees the rules are fair, that game has legitimacy.
More Examples
The company's legitimacy was questioned after the scandal.
The king's claim to the throne lacked legitimacy.
How It's Used
"The government needed to establish the legitimacy of its new policies."
"The court questioned the legitimacy of the evidence presented."
"Scholars examine the historical and cultural factors influencing the legitimacy of social institutions."
The state of being born in accordance with the laws of marriage or societal norms related to family.
ləˈdʒɪtɪməsi
The state of being recognized as the offspring of married parents.
The law addressed issues of legitimacy in cases of disputed parentage.
💡 Simply: In the old days, *legitimacy* was about whether a child was born to married parents. If they were, it meant the child had legal rights and could inherit things.
👶 For kids: It means a child is part of the family the 'right' way, according to the rules.
More Examples
Establishing the legitimacy of the heir was crucial for the kingdom's stability.
How It's Used
"The court proceedings determined the legitimacy of the child."
"Tracing the family's lineage can help determine the legitimacy of claims to inheritance."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
lend legitimacy to
To make something appear acceptable, valid, or worthy of acceptance by associating it with something or someone else that is already seen that way.
"The presence of a Nobel laureate at the conference lent legitimacy to the research being presented."
question the legitimacy of
To express doubt or skepticism about the validity or lawfulness of something.
"Critics questioned the legitimacy of the election results due to voter irregularities."
From Late Latin *legitimatus* (past participle of *legitimare*, to make lawful) + -acy. Related to legal and legitimate. It signifies the state or quality of being legitimate; lawfulness or authenticity.
The concept of legitimacy has been central to political philosophy since ancient times, with philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle exploring the justifications for rule. In the modern era, thinkers like Max Weber have analyzed legitimacy in terms of the authority granted to those in power.
Memory tip
Think of a government gaining approval (acceptance) as 'legitimacy'.
Word Origin
"lawful, rightful"