Illegitimately Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Law

• In legal terms, a child born out of wedlock may be referred to as 'illegitimate,' though many now use 'nonmarital' to avoid stigma.
• Illegitimate acts can include fraud or unauthorized transactions, highlighting moral and legal consequences.
• Many laws regarding inheritance have evolved to allow rights to children regardless of their legitimacy status.

Sociology

• The term can involve social stigma, particularly in historical contexts where familial status significantly affected societal acceptance.
• Social movements have sought to reduce stigma, promoting acceptance of families regardless of marital status.
• Illegitimacy has been a changing concept depending on cultural norms and expectations over the decades.

Pop Culture

• Films and literature often portray characters dealing with illegitimacy, exploring themes of identity and belonging.
• In pop culture, the term is sometimes used to highlight rebellious or unconventional choices against societal norms.
• Musicians often reference illegitimacy in lyrics to discuss themes of family struggles or personal challenges.

Psychology

• Feelings of illegitimacy can lead to conflicts in identity, impacting self-worth and relationships.
• Research suggests societal views on legitimacy can influence one’s mental health, especially in childhood.
• Understanding the psychological effects of illegitimacy can help create supportive environments for affected individuals.

Main points about word origin

• The word originates from the Latin 'illegitimatus,' meaning not legitimate or not lawful.
• It combines the prefix 'il-' which means not, with 'legitimate' derived from 'legitimus,' meaning lawful.
• The use of 'illegitimate' in English dates back to the late 15th century.

The word 'illegitimately' is derived from the adjective 'illegitimate', which originated in the late 15th century from the Latin word 'illegitimus', meaning 'not lawfully begotten'. The adverb form 'illegitimately' has been used in the English language to describe actions or behaviors that are not authorized by law or rules, as well as to indicate inaccuracies or falsehoods.

See also: delegitimizing, illegitimate, legitimization.

Ranking #35,550, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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• 35547 renascence
• 35548 rephrasing
• 35549 surefire
• 35550 illegitimately
• 35551 defaming
• 35552 agonize
• 35553 quadriplegic
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