English · Culture & Society
legitimacy
/lɪˈdʒɪt.ɪ.mə.si/
[/lɪˈdʒɪt.ɪ.mə.si/]
rightful authority
Advancednoun
Definition
The condition of being lawful, justified, or generally accepted as valid and rightful.
Example
The election's legitimacy was questioned after reports of widespread irregularities emerged.
The election's legitimacy was questioned after reports of widespread irregularities emerged.
Etymology
From Latin 'legitimus' (lawful), from 'lex' (law).
How & Where It’s Used
Common in political science and legal discussion.