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.
Related Words
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