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

The crew chief, Adrian Johnson, took the bat and called a review to verify the legality of the discoloration on barrel.

From Los Angeles Times

Gregory Bovino, in charge of the immigration efforts in L.A. for the Border Patrol, questioned Sherman’s “loyalty to the country,” Sherman testified, for just showing hesitation about the wisdom and legality of an order.

From Los Angeles Times

“The legality of all of this is really messy,” Nevitt said.

From Los Angeles Times

Many employees were reinstated, but litigation concerning the legality of the firings winds on.

From Los Angeles Times

The tactic has not been attempted in nearly half a century and is its legality is “dubious at best,” according to NBC News.

From Salon

Related Words

• validity