legitimacy

/li'dʤitiməsi/

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Word: Legitimacy

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: Legitimacy refers to the quality of being legitimate, which means being accepted, recognized, or lawful. It is often used to describe something that is considered valid, reasonable, or authorized according to laws, rules, or social norms.

Simple Explanation:

Think of legitimacy as the idea that something is real or allowed. For example, if a law is passed by the government, it has legitimacy because it follows the correct process.

Usage Instructions:

You can use "legitimacy" when talking about laws, rules, or any situation that requires approval or acceptance.

Example Sentence:

"The legitimacy of the new law was questioned by many citizens."

Advanced Usage:

In a more complex context, legitimacy can also refer to the acceptance of a ruler or government by its people. For example, a government may lose its legitimacy if it does not have the support of the majority of its citizens.

Word Variants:

1. Legitimate (adj.) - This describes something that is lawful or proper.
   • Example: "She has a legitimate reason to be late."
2. Legitimize (verb) - To make something legitimate.
   • Example: "The new policy aims to legitimize the use of renewable energy."

Different Meanings:

1. In a legal context, legitimacy refers to the legal status of something, such as legitimacy of a child born within a marriage.
2. In a social context, it can refer to the acceptance and recognition of a certain behavior or belief.

Synonyms:

• Validity
• Lawfulness
• Authority
• Acceptability
• Credibility

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• "By the book" - This idiom means to do something according to the rules or laws, ensuring its legitimacy.

  • Example: "He always runs his business by the book."

• "In good standing" - This phrase indicates that someone or something has legitimacy or is accepted within a group.

  • Example: "She is a member in good standing of the organization."

Summary:

"Legitimacy" is an important word that helps us understand whether something is accepted or allowed by laws or society.

Academic

Noun

1. undisputed credibility
2. lawfulness by virtue of being authorized or in accordance with law

Synonyms

• authenticity
• genuineness