legality

[lee-gal-i-tee]

noun

plural

legalities 

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 Word Forms

• pseudolegality noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of legality¹

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

Example Sentences

“We decided we’re up for it and we’re going to do something, I would say, on the verge of legality…We hope that the plant is going to come back online sometime soon.”

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Wade, he suggested, may channel its efforts toward querying the morality and legality of editing human genes in the womb.

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The legality of deployments to Portland and Chicago will face scrutiny in two federal courts Thursday.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

When questions have been raised about the legality of the strikes, the administration has brushed them aside.

Read more on Salon

He said his earlier order imposing a temporary pause did not prevent him from ruling on the legality of the repeal, and the 9th Circuit agreed.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• validity