Legitimated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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legitimated
[ləˈdʒɪtɪmeɪtɪd ]
Definition
legal status
Legitimated refers to the act of making something legitimate or lawful. This term is often used in a legal context where an action or condition is declared valid according to the law. For instance, in the case of children, to legitimatize a child means to officially recognize them as born within a lawful marriage, thereby giving them certain rights. The concept can also extend to various situations in society where actions are validated or sanctioned, ultimately establishing their legality or acceptance. The act of legitimating can vary significantly in its implications depending on the specific legal frameworks it operates within.
Synonyms
authorized, recognized, sanctioned, validated.
Examples of usage
- The child was legitimated by the court.
- Legitimated unions often receive certain legal benefits.
- The law legitimated his claim to the inheritance.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Law
- In legal contexts, the term is often used to describe the formal recognition of rights or status.
- Legitimation is especially significant in family law, reflecting the rights of children born out of wedlock.
- Historically, it provided rights of inheritance, allowing children recognition in family matters.
Social Sciences
- In sociology, the process of legitimation can refer to how certain norms or behaviors are accepted in a society.
- Legitimation often helps maintain social order by justifying power structures, such as governments discussed by social theorists.
- Theories suggest that legitimacy can derive from tradition, charisma, or legality.
Pop Culture
- In entertainment, when an idea or trend is given legitimacy, it is often accepted widely by audiences and critics alike.
- Terms like 'legit' have permeated popular culture, often used in music and media to signify authenticity.
- The internet age has seen various movements or figures 'legitimated' through viral trends and social media endorsements.
Philosophy
- The concept of legitimation is explored in philosophical discussions about justice and morality.
- Different ethical frameworks debate what makes a law or rule legitimate – whether it be consent, moral rightness, or societal approval.
- Philosophers like Max Weber emphasized the importance of legitimacy in understanding authority.
Origin of 'legitimated'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from Latin 'legitimus,' which means lawful or permitted.
- In English, it evolved in the late 14th century, originally meaning justifiable or lawful.
- The prefix 'legit-' emphasizes the concept of legality or authenticity.
The term 'legitimate' comes from the Latin word 'legitimus', which means 'lawful' or 'according to the law'. This Latin root itself is derived from 'lex', meaning 'law'. The word's usage evolved throughout the centuries, initially applying strictly to legal contexts. Over time, 'legitimate' and its variations, like 'legitimated', began to encompass broader meanings, including the idea of social acceptance and authenticity. The usage spread, and today it is not only part of legal jargon but also frequently appears in discussions about moral and ethical validation, tying back to its original association with legality. Thus, the evolution of 'legitimated' reflects changing societal norms about what is accepted or recognized as appropriate or rightful.