Legitimized: meaning, definitions and examples
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legitimized
[ lɪˈdʒɪtɪmaɪzd ]
legal status
Legitimized refers to the action of making something legitimate or lawful. This often involves granting official approval or recognition to an action, behavior, or concept that was previously considered unofficial or unacceptable.
Synonyms
authorized, legitimated, ratified, validated.
Examples of usage
- The new law legitimized the use of same-sex marriage.
- The organization was legitimized after receiving government funding.
- Her role in the project was legitimized by her extensive experience.
Etymology
The term 'legitimized' is derived from the root word 'legitimate,' which originates from the Latin 'legitimus,' meaning 'lawful, proper.' The Latin word itself stems from 'lex,' meaning 'law.' Over time, the word evolved in Middle English as 'legitimat,' reflecting its connection to legality and acceptability within society. The suffix '-ized' indicates a process of transformation or making something into a certain state. In legal and social contexts, to legitimize something implies granting it a status that conforms to established rules, often relating to issues of legality, morality, or social norms. Thus, the term carries significant weight in discussions involving the recognition of rights, relationships, and actions that were previously deemed outside the bounds of propriety.