Legitimized Meaning: Definition and Examples
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legitimized
[lɪˈdʒɪtɪmaɪzd ]
Definition
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.
Interesting Facts
Legal Context
- In legal terms, a child can be legitimized through marriage of parents or by court order, providing them with rights similar to those born within marriage.
- Many democratic societies have a process through which laws are legitimized, often requiring public approval.
- Legitimization plays a significant role in validating social movements, giving them a stronger voice and acceptance in society.
Cultural Significance
- Social customs and practices can be legitimized through tradition and formal recognition by institutions, such as marriage ceremonies.
- In many cultures, certain behaviors or beliefs become legitimized over time, often through popular acceptance or media portrayal.
- The process of legitimization is often linked to power dynamics and can be contested by various groups claiming different truths.
Education
- Educational qualifications are legitimized by accreditation bodies that verify educational institutions meet standards.
- In academia, research findings must be legitimized through peer review before being accepted by the broader community.
- The legitimization of certain historical narratives is frequently examined in educational discourse, highlighting the importance of perspective.
Psychology
- Legitimization can influence group behavior, making individuals more likely to conform to norms if they perceive them as officially accepted.
- In psychology, the concept of legitimization of authority plays a key role in understanding obedience and compliance in social settings.
- The process by which individuals legitimize their actions or choices can affect their self-perception and moral reasoning.
Origin of 'legitimized'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'legitimare', meaning to make lawful.
- It entered the English language in the early 17th century, evolving from similar terms about legality.
- An older term related to this word is 'legitimate', which refers to something that is lawful or rightful.
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.