Legitimatize Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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legitimatize
[ləˈjɪtɪmətaɪz ]
Definition
legal status
To legitimatize means to make something legitimate or acceptable according to laws or social norms. This process often involves granting legal status or recognition to an entity, relationship, or practice that was previously considered illegitimate. For example, children born out of wedlock can be legitimized through the marriage of their parents. The concept extends to various fields, including politics, social justice, and ethics, where certain actions or systems are made valid in the eyes of society.
Synonyms
authorize, legally recognize, sanction, validate.
Examples of usage
- The council voted to legitimatize the new policy on public housing.
- He sought to legitimatize his authority by gaining support from significant stakeholders.
- The new law aims to legitimatize same-sex marriage across the country.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Legal Context
- In legal terms, 'legitimatizing' a document often involves formal procedures to ensure it meets the required standards.
- The process can include notarization, authentication, or meeting specific government regulations.
- In many societies, children born out of wedlock may be 'legitimatized' through legal actions that grant them equal rights to inheritance.
Sociology
- Legitimatization is key in social movements, where groups seek to gain recognition and acceptance from the mainstream.
- When a practice or belief gains legitimacy, it can transform societal norms and influence public policy.
- The concept is often discussed in relation to authority and power, as those in power often seek to legitimatize their rule.
Political Science
- Political entities often try to legitimatize their actions to maintain public support and justify governance strategies.
- Revolutions may occur when there is a perceived lack of legitimacy in leadership or government policies.
- Nationalism can be a tool for legitimatizing statehood through cultural narratives and historical claims.
Education
- In academia, legitimatizing certain theories or methods involves peer recognition and acceptance within the scholarly community.
- Curriculum standards are often legitimatized through accreditation bodies that review and approve educational programs.
- The legitimacy of educational credentials can significantly impact an individual’s career opportunities.
Origin of 'legitimatize'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'legitimatize' derives from 'legitimate,' which comes from the Latin word 'legitimare,' meaning 'to make lawful.'
- In English, 'legitimize' appeared in the early 19th century, and 'legitimatize' followed, extending the meaning to include official recognition.
- The term emphasizes the process of granting validity, often in legal, sociopolitical, or cultural contexts.
The term 'legitimatize' is derived from the word 'legitimate,' which comes from the Latin 'legitimare,' meaning 'to make lawful.' The roots of 'legitimare' stem from 'legitimus,' meaning 'lawful.' The prefix 'legit' was adopted into Middle English in the 15th century and entered modern usage in legal contexts. Over time, 'legitimatize' evolved to represent not only legal recognition but also social and moral acceptance. In contemporary discussions, the term is frequently used in debates about rights and recognitions in various societal frameworks, influencing legislation, norms, and practices globally.