Legitimacy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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legitimacy
[lɪˈdʒɪtɪməsi ]
Definitions
in politics
The quality or state of being legitimate. Legitimacy is often used to describe the acceptance or recognition of a government or ruler by the people, based on established laws or customs.
Synonyms
authenticity, legality, validity.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| legitimacy |
Use when talking about the rightful status or acceptance of something, often related to authority or governance.
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| validity |
Use when referring to the soundness or strength of an argument, claim, or document, often in logical, scientific, or official contexts.
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| authenticity |
Use when referring to something being genuine or real, often related to objects, documents, or personal identity.
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| legality |
Use when discussing whether something complies with the law, often in legal or official contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The legitimacy of the new government was questioned by the opposition.
- The legitimacy of the election results was confirmed by independent observers.
in business
Legitimacy refers to the credibility and trustworthiness of a company or organization. It is essential for building a positive reputation and maintaining customer loyalty.
Synonyms
credibility, reliability, trustworthiness.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| legitimacy |
To describe something that is lawful, recognized by authority, or valid. Often used in legal, political, or formal contexts.
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| credibility |
To describe something or someone that is believable or trustworthy, often used in the context of information, sources, or individuals to emphasize their trustworthiness.
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| trustworthiness |
To describe a person or entity worthy of trust and confidence, often emphasizing moral integrity and dependability in personal or professional relationships.
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| reliability |
To describe something or someone that consistently performs well or produces dependable results, frequently used in the context of machines, systems, or people's performance.
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Examples of usage
- The company's legitimacy was called into question after reports of unethical practices.
- Transparency is crucial for establishing legitimacy in the market.
in general use
Legitimacy can also refer to the justification or reasonableness of something. It implies that something is rightful or proper according to accepted standards or norms.
Synonyms
justifiability, reasonableness, validity.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| legitimacy |
Use 'legitimacy' similar to 'legitimacy', when something is in accordance with the law or accepted standards. It emphasizes formal recognition.
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| justifiability |
Use 'justifiability' to describe something that can be shown to be reasonable or acceptable based on evidence or reasoning. Typically used in ethical, legal, or argumentative contexts.
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| reasonableness |
Use 'reasonableness' to describe something that is fair, sensible, and within the bounds of common sense. It's often used in everyday situations or in negotiations.
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| validity |
Use 'validity' when referring to the soundness or strength of an argument, reason, or legal document. It's common in legal, academic, and formal discussions.
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Examples of usage
- There was a debate over the legitimacy of the decision to cut funding for the project.
- The legitimacy of the claim was supported by strong evidence.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Political Science
- In politics, legitimacy refers to the acceptance of government authority by the governed, often determined through elections or historical context.
- The concept plays a crucial role in international relations; countries recognize governments deemed legitimate to establish diplomatic ties.
- Civil disobedience movements often arise when citizens perceive their government's legitimacy as compromised or lost.
Sociology
- Sociologists study legitimacy to understand how social norms and laws gain acceptance within different cultures.
- Different forms of legitimacy exist, including traditional (based on longstanding practices), charismatic (based on individual leaders), and rational-legal (based on laws and procedures).
- A group's sense of legitimacy can impact its cohesion and ability to effect social change.
Philosophy
- Philosophers often debate the nature of legitimacy regarding moral rights and entitlements, including discussions around civil rights and justice.
- Theories of social contract suggest that legitimacy stems from the consent of the governed, laying foundational ideas for modern democracy.
- The legitimacy of an action or decision can be debated in ethical discussions, questioning whether it aligns with moral principles.
Cultural Studies
- Cultural legitimacy refers to how certain practices or beliefs are validated by society, influencing everything from media representation to artistic expression.
- Legitimacy can shift over time; what was once considered valid may lose its acceptance, reflecting changing societal values.
- In various cultures, sources of legitimacy may include religious beliefs, traditions, or influential leaders.
Origin of 'legitimacy'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'legitimus', which means lawful or proper.
- It was first used in English around the 14th century, often in legal contexts to describe the rightful inheritance or authority.
- Originally, it referred strictly to legal matters and later expanded to broader social and moral acceptability.
The word 'legitimacy' originated from the Latin word 'legitimatus', which means 'made legal'. It first appeared in English in the late 15th century. The concept of legitimacy has played a significant role in politics, governance, and social systems throughout history, influencing the acceptance and authority of rulers, governments, and institutions.