legitimacy
Translation
legitimacy, lawfulness
Examples
They questioned the legitimacy of the election.
They questioned the legitimacy of the election.
The new government is seeking legitimacy.
The new government is seeking legitimacy.
Grammar Patterns
the legitimacy of ((sth.)) the quality of being legal or reasonable for something They are questioning the legitimacy of the results.
to question/establish legitimacy to doubt or create the acceptance that something is lawful The government is trying to establish its legitimacy.
Similar Words
Synonyms: validity, lawfulness, rightfulness; Antonyms: illegitimacy
Etymology
From Latin 'legitimus' (lawful), which comes from 'lex' (law). The quality of being lawful.
Memory Tips
If something has 'legitimacy', it's 'legit' – a common slang term for authentic or valid.