Spanish Conversation · Level 3
87 words
Spanish word
legitimidad
Pronunciation
IPA/lexitimiˈðað/
Meaning
- feminine nounlegitimacy
Example
Sin legitimidad, nadie confiará en ese líder.
Without legitimacy, nobody will trust that leader.
More examples
Tras el escándalo, el partido perdió legitimidad.
After the scandal, the party lost legitimacy.
Core concept
Recognized right to exercise authority based on social or moral approval.
Common phrases
perder legitimidad
lose legitimacy
tener legitimidad
have legitimacy
cuestionar la legitimidad
question the legitimacy
Similar words
legalidad: Compliance with laws and legal requirements.
credibilidad: Judgment that someone or something is trustworthy and reliable.
reconocimiento: Official or public acknowledgement and acceptance.
justificación: Reason or argument showing an action or opinion is justified.
Definition in Spanish
Reconocimiento y aceptación que permiten a una persona o institución ejercer autoridad con respaldo moral o social.
Word origin
From Latin legitimitas (legitimus 'lawful' + -tas), originally describing lawfulness and later extended to social recognition of an authority's right.
Usage tips
- Contrast with legalidad: legalidad refers to compliance with the law, while legitimidad emphasizes social acceptance and moral justification.