Legitimacy - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Legitimacy refers to the quality of being valid, lawful, or acceptable according to established rules or standards. It is often used to describe authority, actions, or claims that are recognized as rightful or justified.
Definition:
The quality of being valid, lawful, or accepted as genuine and correct.
Synonyms:
validity, lawfulness, authenticity, credibility
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
illegitimacy, unlawfulness
Common Collocations:
political legitimacy, gain legitimacy, challenge legitimacy, establish legitimacy, lose legitimacy
Derivatives:
legitimate (adj.), legitimize (v.)
Usage Tips:
Use "legitimacy" to describe the acceptance or legality of authority, actions, or claims in formal contexts.
Common Phrases:
question the legitimacy of, lend legitimacy to, undermine the legitimacy of
Etymology:
Derived from Latin "legitimus," meaning lawful or according to law; entered English via Old French "legitimité."
Examples:
- 1. The government's legitimacy was questioned after the controversial election.
- 2. The new law aims to restore public trust in the system's legitimacy.
- 3. Without evidence, his claims lacked any real legitimacy.
- 4. The organization gained legitimacy through its transparent practices.