Spanish Conversation · Level 18
90 words
Spanish word
ilegítimo
Pronunciation
IPA/ileˈxitimo/
Meaning
- adjectiveillegitimate
Example
Ese gobierno es ilegítimo.
That government is illegitimate.
More examples
La población rechazó al gobierno ilegítimo.
The population rejected the illegitimate government.
Core concept
Status, action, or claim judged invalid or without moral or legal legitimacy.
Common phrases
gobierno ilegítimo
illegitimate government
acto ilegítimo
illegitimate act
Similar words
ilegal: Violates the law and is not legally permitted by the legal system.
ilícito: Is expressly forbidden by law or formal rules.
fraudulento: Involves deception intended to cheat or gain advantage.
irregular: Does not follow established procedures or the normal orderly process.
Definition in Spanish
Describe algo o alguien que carece de legitimidad o validez moral, social o legal, como un gobierno, un acto o una persona nacida fuera del matrimonio.
Word origin
From Latin illegitimus, combining negative in- (assimilated to il- before l) with legitimus 'lawful', giving the sense 'not legitimate'.
Usage tips
- Contrast with ilegal: ilegal denotes legal illegality while ilegítimo questions legitimacy or moral validity, and note the written accent on the í in Spanish.