legitimacy
UK: lɪˈdʒɪtɪməsi | US: lɪˈdʒɪtɪməsi
n. the quality or state of being legitimate (lawful, valid, or conforming to accepted standards).
n. rightful or legally recognized status.
legitimacy = legit<lawful> + imacy<noun suffix>
- legit: From Latin legitimus ("lawful"), derived from lex ("law"). Retains the core meaning of conformity to law or rules.
- imacy: A noun-forming suffix (variant of -acy), indicating a state or quality (e.g., intimacy, accuracy).
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin legitimus, combining lex (law) and the suffix -timus (expressing legitimacy). Entered English via Old French legitime (13th c.), evolving to legitimacy in the 16th century to denote lawful authority or validity. The suffix -acy systematized the abstract noun form, aligning with terms like democracy. The morphemes reflect a clear progression from "lawful" to "the state of being lawful."
The legitimacy of the election was questioned due to voting irregularities.
Scholars debate the legitimacy of using historical data in modern research.
The king’s legitimacy depended on his direct lineage to the throne.
The court upheld the legitimacy of the new policy.
Public trust is essential for the legitimacy of any government.