Legitimize: meaning, definitions and examples

⚖️

Add to dictionary

legitimize

[lɪˈdʒɪtɪˌmaɪz ]

Definitions

^{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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
legitimize	Used when making something lawful or acceptable in the eyes of society or the law, often in a formal or official manner. The government moved to legitimize the new political party. She worked hard to legitimize her business in the eyes of the local community.
validate	Generally used when confirming that something is correct, legitimate, or meets certain standards, often in a technical, procedural, or emotional context. The scientist validated his results through repeated experiments. She needed her friend's support to validate her feelings.
authorize	Typically used when giving official power or permission to someone or something to perform a specific action, often in a formal or legal context. The manager authorized the payment for the new equipment. The city council authorized the construction of the new bridge.
approve	Commonly used when giving official permission or agreeing to something, often in the context of decisions, plans, or proposals. The board approved the new budget for next year. Her parents approved of her decision to study abroad.

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
legitimize	Use this word when giving official permission or recognition, often in legal or formal settings. 'The new government aims to legitimize their reforms through new legislation '
endorse	This word is suitable in situations where someone is publicly supporting or approving something or someone, often in marketing or personal recommendations. 'The celebrity was paid to endorse the new skincare product '
validate	Utilize this word when confirming the accuracy, truth, or legitimacy of something, often in contexts like research, documents, or feelings. 'The scientist needed to validate the experiment results before publishing '
legitimise	Similar to 'legitimize', 'legitimise' is used in British English to refer to giving official permission or recognition. 'The report was intended to legitimise the company's new policies '

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

Derived from the Latin word 'legitimus', meaning 'lawful' or 'proper'.
Entered the English language in the late 18th century, indicating its tie to legality and morality.
Related words include 'legitimate', 'legitimacy', and 'legitimation', all revolving around the idea of lawful approval.

Legal Context

For a marriage to be recognized by law, it often needs to be legitimized through legal ceremonies.
In some societies, children born out of wedlock can be legitimated by their parents marrying later.
Legitimization can extend to businesses needing licenses to operate legally within jurisdictions.

Cultural Significance

Cultural practices and norms must often be legitimized to gain acceptance by broader society.
Social movements strive to legitimize their causes in the eyes of the public and policymakers.
The process of legitimization can involve changing perceptions about what is considered acceptable behavior.

Psychology

Legitimization efforts can influence group dynamics, making certain behaviors more socially acceptable.
Feeling a sense of legitimacy in one's identity can enhance self-esteem and belonging.
Cognitive dissonance often arises when actions are not aligned with perceived legitimacy, motivating change.

Pop Culture

In media, stories often explore themes of legitimacy, such as the struggle for acceptance in various identities.
Reality television often aims to legitimize personal choices, lifestyles, and fame to viewers, blurring reality and acceptance.
Messages about legitimacy are prevalent in music and film, where protagonists may fight against the odds to gain social validation.

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

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.

...
23810 gutted
23811 disbelieve
23812 sported
23813 legitimize
23814 aerodrome
23815 tickling
23816 pronominal
...