Reading Theme:
Legitimacy: Definition, Usage & Key Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：legal validity (legitimacy)
legitimacy
/lɪˈdʒɪtɪməsi/
n.
The quality of being in accordance with the law or official rules.
legal validity
➕
/ˈliːɡl vəˈlɪdəti/
n.
The condition of being lawful, conforming to established law or recognized standards.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'legitimus' meaning 'lawful', from 'lex' (law) + '-timus' (suffix).
💡 Mnemonic
Think: 'Leg it, I see' the lawful right to be there.
📖 Example
The government is taking steps to prove the legitimacy of the recent policy changes through a public vote.
The government is taking steps to prove the legal validity of the recent policy changes through a public vote.
🔗 Collocations
gain legitimacy – to acquire lawful authority or acceptance
question the legitimacy – to doubt the lawfulness or validity of something
establish legitimacy – to create a foundation of lawful authority
🔄 Synonyms
lawfulness (n.) – The quality of being permitted by law.
validity (n.) – The quality of being logically or factually sound, often legally binding.
legality (n.) – The state of being in conformity with the law.
🚫 Antonyms
illegitimacy (n.) – The state of not being in accordance with accepted standards or laws.
invalidity (n.) – The state of being not legally recognized or acceptable.
🌱 Derivatives
legitimate (adj./v.) – Conforming to the law or rules; to make lawful.
legitimize (v.) – To make something legitimate or acceptable.
legitimation (n.) – The act of making something legitimate.
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from Latin 'legitimus' (lawful), entering English via Old French. It is a key term in political philosophy, law, and sociology, often used to debate the rightfulness of authority, a government's mandate, or a claim to property.
Meaning 2：acceptance and justification (legitimacy)
legitimacy
/lɪˈdʒɪtɪməsi/
n.
The quality of being accepted as correct, proper, or justified by most people.
acceptance and justification
➕
/əkˈsɛptəns ænd ˌdʒʌstɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/
n.
The quality of being accepted as proper, correct, or justified by general perception or consensus.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
She gained legitimacy as a travel expert on social media because her advice is always practical and comes from real experience.
She gained acceptance and justification as a travel expert on social media because her advice is always practical and comes from real experience.
🔗 Collocations
public legitimacy – acceptance and justification from the general populace
moral legitimacy – acceptance based on ethical principles
lose legitimacy – to cease to be accepted or justified
🔄 Synonyms
credibility (n.) – The quality of being trusted and believed in.
authenticity (n.) – The quality of being genuine and true.
authority (n.) – The power or right to give orders and enforce obedience, often derived from acceptance.
🚫 Antonyms
illegitimacy (n.) – Lack of general acceptance or justification.
dubiousness (n.) – The state of being doubtful or questionable.
Wordbook
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