Illegitimate - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Illegitimate means not authorized by law or accepted standards, often referring to children born outside of marriage or actions deemed improper or invalid. It implies lack of legal or social approval.
Definition:
Not authorized by law, born to unmarried parents, or not conforming to accepted standards.
Synonyms:
unlawful, unauthorized, illicit, spurious
Part of Speech:
adjective
Antonyms:
legitimate, lawful, valid
Common Collocations:
illegitimate child, illegitimate claim, illegitimate use
Derivatives:
illegitimately, illegitimacy
Usage Tips:
Use "illegitimate" to describe something not legally or socially recognized as valid or proper.
Common Phrases:
born on the wrong side of the blanket, love child (colloquial), outside the law
Etymology:
From Latin "illegitimatus," meaning "not in accordance with law."
Examples:
- 1. The court dismissed his claim as illegitimate.
- 2. She was criticized for her illegitimate use of company funds.
- 3. The king had several illegitimate children.
- 4. His argument was deemed illegitimate by experts.