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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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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?

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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.

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.