legitimize

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "legitimize" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of making something legitimate or acceptable, often in legal, social, or moral contexts. Example: "The new policy aims to legitimize the use of alternative energy sources in our community."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He would then seek papal or imperial titles to legitimize his position.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They also serve to legitimize the acts of those who wield power, a function that is performed to some extent even by elections that are noncompetitive.

Encyclopedia Britannica

From the Bulgarian point of view, such an admission would both fly in the face of historical reality and legitimize Yugoslav claims on the Pirin region.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The fall of the secular dictators Ben Ali and Mubarak left the Sunni Gulf monarchs in a much stronger position in the Arab League, which they used to legitimize calls for intervention against Libya and sanctions on Syria.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Thus, Christian tradition employs the Hebrew Scriptures to legitimize the gospel of Jesus in the New Testament as the natural extension of the Abrahamic covenant.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Viète was also the first to legitimize the use of infinite processes in mathematics.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These ideas serve to justify or legitimize the unequal distribution of economic and political power.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Central Junta and its successor, the regency, were compelled to summon a Cortes in order to legitimize the situation created by the absence of Ferdinand VII, who was a prisoner in France.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Like Nobunaga, Hideyoshi felt constrained by lineage not to make himself shogun and thus sought other titles to legitimize his rule.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The crucial elements of both were the identification of the state with the single mass party and of the party with its charismatic leader, the use of an official ideology to legitimize and maintain the regime, the employment of a terroristic police force and a controlled press, and the application of all the means of modern science and technology to control the economy and individual behaviour.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Traffickers resort to other illicit activities to legitimize their proceeds, such as laundering the money obtained not only from trafficking but also from forced labour, sex industries, and the drug trade.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "legitimize" when you want to convey that something is being made acceptable or valid according to a specific set of rules, standards, or norms. Be clear about what is providing the legitimacy (e.g., legal system, social convention).

Common error

Avoid using "legitimize" when you simply mean "improve" or "enhance". "Legitimize" implies a formal or recognized validation, not just general betterment.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "legitimize" is a transitive verb. It requires a direct object, indicating what is being made legitimate. Ludwig provides numerous examples where "legitimize" is used to describe actions taken to validate or authorize something, such as a policy, a claim, or a practice.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

27%

News & Media

21%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Reference

10%

Wiki

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "legitimize" functions as a transitive verb used to describe the act of making something legitimate, acceptable, or valid. Ludwig's analysis, supported by numerous examples from encyclopedias, news sources, and scientific publications, shows its widespread usage. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct. While "legitimize" has a neutral to formal register, it is essential to distinguish its meaning from related words like "legalize" or "approve" to ensure accuracy in writing. Remember to use "legitimize" when the intent is to convey formal validation according to specific rules or standards. A strong understanding of these nuances will allow you to confidently and correctly incorporate "legitimize" into your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Validate

This alternative focuses on confirming the accuracy or soundness of something, emphasizing verification rather than formal approval.

Authorize

This term implies granting official permission or approval, often by someone in a position of authority.

Sanction

This suggests giving formal approval or consent, sometimes implying moral endorsement.

Legalize

This specifically refers to making something lawful or permissible by law.

Approve

This is a general term for expressing a favorable opinion or giving consent.

Endorse

This implies publicly supporting or recommending something.

Ratify

This refers to formally confirming or approving a treaty, contract, or agreement.

Accredit

This suggests officially recognizing or authorizing an institution or program.

Authenticate

This focuses on proving that something is genuine or real.

Warrant

This means to justify or necessitate a certain course of action.

FAQs

How to use "legitimize" in a sentence?

The word "legitimize" is used to describe the act of making something legitimate or acceptable. For example, "The government sought to "legitimize the new policy" by holding a public referendum".

What can I say instead of "legitimize"?

You can use alternatives like "validate", "authorize", or "sanction" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "legitimize" or "legitimate"?

"Legitimize" is a verb meaning to make something legitimate, while "legitimate" is an adjective meaning lawful or conforming to standards. For example, you can "legitimize a claim" to make it "a legitimate claim".

What's the difference between "legitimize" and "legalize"?

"Legitimize" means to make something acceptable or valid, often socially or morally, while "legalize" specifically means to make something lawful. You might "legitimize a practice" within a community even if you can't "legalize it".