legitimize
gb/lɪd͡ʒˈɪtəmˌaɪz/ us/lɪd͡ʒˈɪtəmˌaɪz/
C1
English
legitimál, legalizál, törvényesít
VERB
C1
FORMAL
1
legitimál
C1
Usage pattern:
legitimize [something]
The endorsement from respected scientists helped legitimize the new treatment in the eyes of the public.
A nagyra becsült tudósok támogatása segített legitimálni az új kezelést a közvélemény szemében.
Critics said the documentary unintentionally legitimized extremist ideas by presenting them as ordinary political opinions.
A kritikusok szerint a dokumentumfilm azzal, hogy hétköznapi politikai véleményként mutatta be a szélsőséges nézeteket, akaratlanul is legitimálta őket.
The election was intended to legitimize the new government after months of unrest.
Learner examples
A famous expert can legitimize a new idea.
Egy híres szakértő legitimálhat egy új ötletet.
The report helped legitimize their concerns.
A jelentés segített legitimálni az aggodalmaikat.
Common mistake:
Do not confuse legitimize with legalize. Something can be legitimized socially or politically without being made legal by law.
Meaning
make seem valid or acceptable
Collocations
legitimize a claim
|legitimize an argument
|legitimize a regime
|legitimize a government
|legitimize a policy
|legitimize a practice
|legitimize violence
|legitimize discrimination
|legitimize authority
|legitimize concerns
Synonyms
validate (emphasizes showing that something is reasonable or well founded)
|
justify (emphasizes giving reasons for something that may be criticized)
|
authorize (emphasizes giving official permission or authority)
|
endorse (emphasizes public support or approval)
Antonyms
delegitimize (to make something lose acceptance, credibility, or authority)
|
discredit (to damage the reputation or believability of something)
|
invalidate (to show that something is not valid or acceptable)
Themes
society
|politics
|media
|argumentation
Definition
to make people think that something is acceptable, fair, or real
To make something seem acceptable, justified, credible, or proper by giving it support, recognition, or authority.
VERB
C1
FORMAL
2
legalizál
B2
törvényesít
C1
Usage pattern:
legitimize [something]
The new law was designed to legitimize small businesses that had been operating informally.
Az új törvény célja az volt, hogy legalizálja az addig informálisan működő kisvállalkozásokat.
They signed documents to legitimize the transfer of property.
Aláírták a tulajdon átruházását legalizáló dokumentumokat.
The court ruling legitimized the agreement and allowed the project to move forward.
Learner examples
The law legitimized the company.
A törvény legalizálta a céget.
The court can legitimize the agreement.
A bíróság törvényesítheti a megállapodást.
Common mistake:
Legalize is often more common when talking about changing a law to allow an activity; legitimize can mean broader official recognition as valid.
Meaning
make legal or official
Collocations
legitimize a business
|legitimize a transaction
|legitimize ownership
|legitimize a contract
|legitimize an agreement
|legitimize a marriage
|legitimize a status
|legitimize land claims
Synonyms
legalize (more specifically means to make something allowed by law)
|
regularize (means to make something follow official rules or procedures)
|
authorize (means to give official permission)
|
ratify (means to formally approve an agreement, treaty, or decision)
Antonyms
criminalize (to make an activity illegal)
|
outlaw (to ban something by law)
|
invalidate (to make something legally or officially without effect)
Themes
law
|government
|institutions
|business
Definition
to make something officially legal or recognized
To give something legal status or official recognition under the law or by an authorized institution.
Grammar
Dictionary form
legitimize
IPA
GB/lɪd͡ʒˈɪtəmˌaɪz/
US/lɪd͡ʒˈɪtəmˌaɪz/
Syllables & stress
le - git - im - ize (4 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (git)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: legitimize
- 3rd Person Singular: legitimizes
- Present Participle: legitimizing
- Past: legitimized
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.