World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English DictionariesIllegitimate
/ˌɪl.əˈdʒɪt.ə.mət/Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
Born of parents not married to each other.
"Historically, children born out of wedlock faced severe legal and social disadvantages as illegitimate offspring." - 2
Not authorized by the law; illegal or improper.
"The government denounced the election results as illegitimate."
Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
Derived from the Late Latin illegalitimus, combining the prefix in- (meaning 'not') and legitimus (meaning 'lawful' or 'born of married parents'). Entering Middle English via Old French during the 15th century, the term originally referred strictly to offspring born outside of legally recognized wedlock before broadening to describe anything contrary to law, rules, or logic.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Illegitimate"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Illegitimate" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
illégitime
Transliteration: illégitime
"Un enfant illégitime n'avait autrefois aucun droit à l'héritage."
unehelich
Transliteration: unehelich
"Früher wurden uneheliche Kinder oft benachteiligt."
illegittimo
Transliteration: illegittimo
"Un figlio illegittimo aveva limitati diritti di successione."
ilegítimo
Transliteration: ilegítimo
"Antiguamente, un hijo ilegítimo no podía heredar las propiedades."
ilegítimo
Transliteration: ilegítimo
"Antigamente, uma criança ilegítima sofria com o preconceito social."
अवैध
Transliteration: avaidh
"पुराने समय में अवैध बच्चों को उत्तराधिकार के अधिकार नहीं मिलते थे।"
私生的
Transliteration: sī shēng de
"在过去,私生子在法律上的权益受到限制。"
혼외의
Transliteration: hon-oe-ui
"과거에는 혼외 자녀에 대한 사회적 차별이 심했다."
庶子の
Transliteration: shoshi no
"かつては婚外子に対する法的な制限が存在した。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
View all English termsA barracks or building intended for the accommodation of soldiers, usually located within a fortified place.
A secondary residence owned or rented by a family or individual, used primarily for recreational purposes, holidays, or seasonal getaways.
Not producing or containing venom; incapable of injecting poison through a bite, sting, or other mechanism.
Explore Nuanced Synonyms for "Illegitimate"
Discover exact matches, context-specific alternatives, and antonyms with intensity ratings in the VocabDictionary Thesaurus.
Enhance Your Writing & Grammar Precision
Linguistic Origins & Word Stories
View all stories →How Are Palisade Cells Adapted for Photosynthesis (and Why Are They Called 'Palisade')?
Palisade mesophyll cells are column-shaped, densely packed with chloroplasts, and positioned near the leaf's upper surface to maximize light absorption for photosynthesis. Their name comes from the French word for a defensive fence of wooden stakes, referencing their tightly aligned, upright cellular structure.
What is a SLOT SWOT Analysis and How Do You Actually Do One?
A SLOT SWOT analysis is an expanded strategic planning framework that blends personal or organizational 'SLOT' (Strengths, Limitations, Opportunities, Threats) metrics with traditional 'SWOT' dynamics. It provides a granular approach to evaluating internal capabilities against external market realities.