legitimacy
Americannoun
Other Word Forms
- nonlegitimacy noun
Etymology
Origin of legitimacy
First recorded in 1685–95; legitim(ate) + -acy
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It did not believe, for instance, in the legitimacy of grand juries, and slandered them for refusing to return indictments.
From Slate • Apr. 3, 2026
Levy: I knew that the matriarch of this family was so important to the legitimacy of this.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026
The general assembly cannot force countries to pay reparations, but it can give the cause political legitimacy and bolster the case of those arguing for reparations.
From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026
They agree to attach their names to “How’s That?!” to lend it legitimacy, and are virtually powerless to affect the plots generated by a program their network has deceptively nicknamed Al.
From Salon • Mar. 26, 2026
A woman who won all social battles with presence and a conviction of the legitimacy of her authority.
From "Sula" by Toni Morrison
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
