Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˌɪlɪˈdʒɪtɪməsi/

Definitions

• 1.: The state of being illegitimate; not authorized by law or accepted standards, particularly with regard to birth or relationships.
• 2.: The quality or condition of being illegal or not in accordance with established rules or laws.
• 3.: The status of a child born to parents who are not legally married, according to some cultural or legal definitions.

Usage Examples

• The child’s illegitimacy was a subject of controversy in the community.
• The businessman faced allegations of illegitimacy in his company’s dealings.
• Despite the social stigma, the illegitimacy of the birth was legally irrelevant in modern courts.

Etymology

The word "illegitimacy" is derived from the Latin "illegitimus," meaning "not lawful," formed by the prefix "in-" (meaning "not") and "legitimus" (meaning "lawful"). The word entered English in the late Middle Ages and has evolved over time to encompass various meanings relating to both law and social status.

Synonyms

• Illegality
• Unlawfulness
• Illicitness
• Unauthorized status
• Outlawry

Antonyms

• Legitimacy
• Lawfulness
• Authority
• Sanction
• Rightfulness

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

Pronunciation of "illegitimacy" may slightly vary based on regional accents, but the general phonetic structure remains consistent. In some dialects, the "il" sound may be pronounced more as "il" or "il-" depending on speed and emphasis, especially in rapid speech.

Historical Usage

In earlier centuries, the term "illegitimacy" was heavily tied to social stigma, especially regarding the status of children born outside of wedlock. Throughout the Middle Ages and into the Renaissance, the term was often used in legal contexts to define individuals who were excluded from inheritance or titles. Over time, as social norms shifted, the term has become less associated with personal value and more with legal and official status.

Cultural Nuances

The concept of illegitimacy has varied greatly across cultures and time periods. In many societies, an illegitimate birth was once seen as a disgrace, often resulting in social exclusion. However, modern legal systems in most countries no longer treat children born outside of marriage differently, though cultural perceptions may still linger. In some traditional cultures, the term continues to carry strong social connotations, whereas in others it has lost much of its previous stigma.

More Information

Illegitimacy, once a deeply consequential label in law and society, is becoming increasingly irrelevant in many modern legal systems, where it no longer affects a person's rights. However, it remains an important historical concept, particularly in discussions about inheritance, social status, and the evolution of marriage laws. The changing perception of illegitimacy has had profound effects on the ways in which families, societies, and legal systems treat children and parents in non-marital relationships.