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Legitimize: meaning, definitions and examples

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legitimize

 

[ lɪˈdʒɪtɪˌmaɪz ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

in business

To legitimize means to make something legal, acceptable, or valid, especially in the context of business or official procedures. It is the process of giving something legitimacy or official approval.

Synonyms

approve, authorize, validate

Examples of usage

  • By obtaining the necessary permits, they were able to legitimize their new business venture.
  • The company hired a lawyer to help them legitimize their international sales contracts.
Context #2 | Verb

in society

To legitimize can also refer to the act of making something socially acceptable or legitimate within a certain group or society. It involves gaining recognition or approval from others.

Synonyms

endorse, legitimise, validate

Examples of usage

  • The celebrity's public apology helped legitimize their behavior in the eyes of the fans.
  • His charitable work has helped legitimize him as a respected member of the community.

Translations

Translations of the word "legitimize" in other languages:

🇵🇹 legitimar

🇮🇳 वैध बनाना

🇩🇪 legitimieren

🇮🇩 melegitimasi

🇺🇦 легітимізувати

🇵🇱 legitymizować

🇯🇵 正当化する

🇫🇷 légitimer

🇪🇸 legitimar

🇹🇷 meşrulaştırmak

🇰🇷 합법화하다

🇸🇦 شرعن

🇨🇿 legitimizovat

🇸🇰 legitimizovať

🇨🇳 合法化

🇸🇮 legitimirati

🇮🇸 löggilda

🇰🇿 заңдастыру

🇬🇪 ლეგიტიმაცია

🇦🇿 leqallaşdırmaq

🇲🇽 legitimar

Etymology

The word 'legitimize' originated from the combination of 'legitimate' and the suffix '-ize'. The term 'legitimate' has roots in Latin 'legitimus', meaning lawful or legal. Over time, 'legitimize' has evolved to encompass not only legal aspects but also social and moral legitimacy.

See also: delegitimize, legitimise.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,813, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.