legitimacy

[li-jit-uh-muh-see]

noun

1. the state or quality of being legitimate.

   Synonyms: rightfulness, legality, lawfulness

Other Word Forms

• nonlegitimacy noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of legitimacy¹

First recorded in 1685–95; legitim(ate) + -acy

Related Words

• authority 
• justice 
• validity