illegitimate child

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "illegitimate child" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to a child born to unmarried parents or outside of wedlock. Example: The inheritance laws favored legitimate children over illegitimate children, causing much controversy among families.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He fathered an illegitimate child.

The Economist

I was an illegitimate child.

The Guardian - Music

What if she'd had an illegitimate child?

The New York Times - Books

He recognised only one illegitimate child.

The Guardian - Books

A married governor who fathers an illegitimate child is awful.

The New York Times

Augustine "had a concubine and an illegitimate child".

The New York Times

(Chernow writes that Hamilton was falsely rumored to be Washington's illegitimate child).

The New Yorker

In the course of "Confessions," Usher sang about both infidelity and fathering an illegitimate child.

The New Yorker

The Captain suggests that, because Wozzeck has an illegitimate child, Wozzeck is immoral.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Washington has long seemed like the federal government's illegitimate child, denied statehood and degrees of autonomy.

The New York Times

They fell in love and Heloise gave birth to an illegitimate child.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "illegitimate child", consider the context and audience, as it can carry negative connotations. Opt for more neutral terms like "child born out of wedlock" or "child born to unmarried parents" in sensitive situations.

Common error

Avoid using terms like "bastard" as they are considered offensive and insensitive. Choose respectful and neutral language when referring to a child born outside of marriage.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "illegitimate child" functions as a noun phrase, specifically identifying a child born outside of marriage. Ludwig confirms this usage. It can be the subject or object of a sentence, as illustrated in examples such as "He fathered an illegitimate child" or "I was an illegitimate child."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "illegitimate child" refers to a child born to unmarried parents. While grammatically correct and very common, Ludwig indicates the term can carry negative connotations, making it important to consider the context and audience. More neutral alternatives like "child born out of wedlock" or "child born to unmarried parents" are often preferred in sensitive situations. The term appears frequently in news and media, encyclopedias and wikis. Authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian use the phrase. Understanding its historical and social implications is crucial for respectful and appropriate usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

child born out of wedlock

Rephrases the concept using more formal and direct language.

child born to unmarried parents

Emphasizes the parental status rather than the child's legitimacy.

child of unwed parents

Similar to the previous phrase, highlighting the parents' marital status.

non-marital child

A more technical and legal term.

unacknowledged child

Emphasizes the lack of recognition or acceptance.

love child

A more euphemistic and sometimes romanticized term.

child of an affair

Focuses on the circumstances of conception.

natural child

Focuses on the biological aspect of the parent-child relationship, but may cause confusion because it has different and more common meanings.

child with disputed parentage

Highlights uncertainty about the child's parents.

bastard

An outdated and offensive term for an illegitimate child.

FAQs

What does the term "illegitimate child" mean?

The term "illegitimate child" refers to a child born to parents who are not married. It is a term that can carry negative connotations, and more neutral terms are often preferred.

What are some alternatives to saying "illegitimate child"?

You can use alternatives like "child born out of wedlock", "child born to unmarried parents", or "non-marital child" depending on the context.

Is it offensive to use the term "illegitimate child"?

While not always intended to be offensive, the term "illegitimate child" can be perceived negatively due to its historical and social implications. It is often better to use more neutral and respectful language.

What is the historical context of the term "illegitimate child"?

Historically, the term "illegitimate child" had legal and social consequences, particularly regarding inheritance and social status. Modern usage aims to avoid these negative connotations and promote more inclusive language.