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Legitimization: meaning, definitions and examples

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legitimization

 

[lɪˌdʒɪtɪmɪˈzeɪʃən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

political

The process of making something lawful or acceptable, typically through official approval or recognition.

Synonyms

approval, authorization, validation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
legitimization

Used when granting legal or official status to something, often in a formal or bureaucratic context. It can carry a connotation of formality and legalistic approval.

  • The country's eventual legitimization of same-sex marriage marked a significant step
  • The government's legitimization of the new political party took several months
validation

Used to confirm or support the validity or accuracy of something, often in scientific, technical, or emotional contexts.

  • The experiment's results require validation through additional testing
  • Her feelings were given validation when others shared similar experiences
authorization

Used when granting formal permission or power to do something, often in official, legal, or organizational contexts.

  • You need authorization from the manager to access this file
  • The bank's authorization is required to proceed with the transaction
approval

Used in a general sense to indicate that something is accepted or agreed upon, often in everyday situations or informal contexts.

  • She sought her parents' approval before making the big decision
  • The project received approval from the committee

Examples of usage

  • The government sought the legitimation of its actions through various legal means.
  • The legitimation of the new policy was met with mixed reactions from the public.
Context #2 | Noun

sociological

The process by which an individual or group is perceived as legitimate or having the right to wield power or influence within a society.

Synonyms

credibility, legitimacy, validity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
legitimization

This is used when discussing the process of making something legitimate or acceptable, often in a legal or formal sense.

  • The new policy requires further legitimization by the governing council.
  • The country sought legitimization from the international community.
legitimacy

This term refers to the quality of being valid, acceptable, or recognized, often in relation to authority or governance.

  • The legitimacy of the new government is still in question after the disputed elections.
  • The court's ruling helped to establish the legitimacy of the new law.
validity

Use this term when discussing how sound or effective something is, often in research, arguments, or legal contexts.

  • The validity of the experiment's results depends on the accuracy of the measurements.
  • She questioned the validity of his argument based on the evidence presented.
credibility

This term is suitable for describing the quality of being believable or trustworthy, often in relation to an individual, organization, or statement.

  • The scientist's credibility was questioned after the data discrepancy was found.
  • To maintain credibility, the news outlet published a follow-up story.

Examples of usage

  • The legitimation of traditional leadership structures is crucial in maintaining social order.
  • The legitimation of authority figures can vary across different cultural contexts.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from 'legitimate,' which means lawful or rightful in old French and Latin origins.
  • In Latin, 'legitimus' means 'lawful,' hinting at the word's legal roots.
  • The suffix '-ization' implies a process, consistently denoting a transformation into a specific state.

Political Science

  • Countries often undergo a legitimization process after revolutions to gain recognition and support from international entities.
  • Legitimization plays a critical role in state authority, where governments strive to be seen as valid representatives of their citizens.
  • Non-government organizations often seek legitimization to enhance their credibility and effectiveness in advocacy.

Social Psychology

  • Research suggests that social acceptance can lead to stronger conformity to group norms when individuals feel their actions are justified.
  • Legitimization is crucial in understanding how certain behaviors or norms become part of a culture over time.
  • People are more likely to accept authority and rules if they feel they are legitimate and fair.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In some societies, traditional practices undergo legitimization through government endorsement, thereby gaining public acceptance.
  • Legitimization can create pathways for marginalized communities to assert their rights and identities within wider society.
  • The media plays a significant role in shaping public perception and legitimizing societal changes or movements.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers debate what constitutes true legitimacy, whether it's derived from consent, tradition, or moral authority.
  • The concept often intersects with discussions of justice and fairness in societal structures.
  • Legitimization processes can reflect broader ethical questions concerning power and responsibility.

Translations

Translations of the word "legitimization" in other languages:

🇵🇹 legitimação

🇮🇳 वैधता

🇩🇪 Legitimierung

🇮🇩 legitimasi

🇺🇦 легітимація

🇵🇱 legitymizacja

🇯🇵 正当化

🇫🇷 légitimation

🇪🇸 legitimación

🇹🇷 meşrulaştırma

🇰🇷 정당화

🇸🇦 إضفاء الشرعية

🇨🇿 legitimace

🇸🇰 legitimizácia

🇨🇳 合法化

🇸🇮 legitimacija

🇮🇸 löggilding

🇰🇿 заңдастыру

🇬🇪 ლეგიტიმაცია

🇦🇿 leqallaşdırma

🇲🇽 legitimación

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,746 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.