legality

American  

[lee-gal-i-tee] / liˈgæl ɪ ti /

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.

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legality British  

/ lɪˈɡælɪtɪ /

noun

1. the state or quality of being legal or lawful

2. adherence to legal principles

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Other Word Forms

• pseudolegality noun

Etymology

Origin of legality

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

Example Sentences

“It restores order and legality to our immigration system and ends the cycle of uncertainty that keeps families apart,” she said.

From The Wall Street Journal

After a presentation by the US Mint, the US Commission of Fine Arts voted unanimously to approve the design, despite questions over its legality.

From BBC

Kalshi’s platform is available nationwide, though courts are examining the legality of the platform in nearly a dozen states.

From The Wall Street Journal

But it has provided no definitive evidence that the vessels it targets are involved in drug trafficking, prompting heated debate about the legality of the operations.

From Barron's

The European Commission announced last week that it would provisionally implement the mammoth deal, pending the EU top court's ruling on its legality.

From Barron's

Related Words

• validity