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legitimidad

legitimacy

noun leh-hee-tee-mee-DAHD Rare

Usage Note

Legitimidad is frequently used in political, legal, and philosophical discourse to denote whether power, authority, or an action is lawful and morally justified. It contrasts with legalidad (legality): something can be legal but lack legitimidad, a distinction philosophers and politicians exploit. The adjective is legítimo/a.

Examples

"Cuestionaron la legitimidad del nuevo gobierno."

Natural Translation

They questioned the legitimacy of the new government.

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