Legitimization: meaning, definitions and examples
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legitimization
[ lɪˌdʒɪtɪmɪˈzeɪʃən ]
political
The process of making something lawful or acceptable, typically through official approval or recognition.
Synonyms
approval, authorization, validation.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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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.
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validation |
Used to confirm or support the validity or accuracy of something, often in scientific, technical, or emotional contexts.
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authorization |
Used when granting formal permission or power to do something, often in official, legal, or organizational contexts.
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approval |
Used in a general sense to indicate that something is accepted or agreed upon, often in everyday situations or informal contexts.
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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.
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?
Word | Description / Examples |
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legitimization |
This is used when discussing the process of making something legitimate or acceptable, often in a legal or formal sense.
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legitimacy |
This term refers to the quality of being valid, acceptable, or recognized, often in relation to authority or governance.
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validity |
Use this term when discussing how sound or effective something is, often in research, arguments, or legal contexts.
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credibility |
This term is suitable for describing the quality of being believable or trustworthy, often in relation to an individual, organization, or statement.
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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.
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
Etymology
The word 'legitimization' originates from the verb 'legitimate', which comes from the Latin 'legitimare', meaning 'make lawful'. The concept of legitimization has been a crucial aspect of political and social discourse throughout history, as societies seek to establish authority, credibility, and acceptance of norms and structures. The process of legitimation can involve legal, cultural, and institutional mechanisms to confer legitimacy on individuals, actions, or systems.
See also: delegitimizing, illegitimate, illegitimately.