legality

[ lee-gal-i-tee ]

noun

, plural le·gal·i·ties.

1. the state or quality of being in conformity with the law; lawfulness.

   Synonyms: validity, legitimacy

2. attachment to or observance of law.
3. Usually legalities. a duty or obligation imposed by law.
4. Theology. reliance on good works for salvation rather than on free grace.

legality

/ lɪˈɡælɪtɪ /

noun

1. the state or quality of being legal or lawful
2. adherence to legal principles

Other Words From

• pseudo·le·gali·ty noun plural pseudolegalities

Word History and Origins

Origin of legality¹

1425–75; late Middle English legalite < Medieval Latin lēgālitās. See legal, -ity

Example Sentences

Regardless of the legality of sharing data with law enforcement, this is a breach of trust of our communities.

From Voice of San Diego

Like any private publisher, social media companies are entitled to edit, censor, or block content at will—whether it be around legality, truth, political ideology, or taste.

From Fortune

In closing, I still am unsure how to feel about Google surfacing content questioning the legality or legitimacy of companies in their navigational brand searches.

From Search Engine Land

Still, the legality of it was important to Jerry Samet, who had a deeply felt conviction about family and the end of life.

From Washington Post

It is standard for candidates to the Supreme Court to decline, whether in private or during public testimony, to weigh in on the legality of cases on which they may have to rule.

From Washington Post

So he actually brought [religion] back to legality in France.

From The Daily Beast

The Louisiana university has turned into a nanny state, issuing a campus smoking ban of dubious legality.

From The Daily Beast

However, this suit really boils down to less about concussions, and more about the legality of informed consent.

From The Daily Beast

This fig leaf of legality must be stripped away, otherwise violence will persist.

From The Daily Beast

IDF's Military Advocate General: legality of training is anchored in principles of 'belligerent occupation.'

From The Daily Beast

But they immediately proceeded to take a step of which the legality was not equally clear.

From Project Gutenberg

The legality of contracts made or to be performed on Sunday is determined generally by statute.

From Project Gutenberg

Secondly, an extraordinary phenomenon like an Attentat cannot be measured by the narrow standards of legality.

From Project Gutenberg

They got the booty with a show of legality, since Hoff signed the copartnership agreement and turned over the checks.

From Project Gutenberg

There is some doubt as to the legality of the law and it is a hard matter to tell what the outcome will be.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• validity