Illegitimize vs. Delegitimize — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 20, 2024
Illegitimize focuses on declaring something inherently invalid or unauthorized, while delegitimize is about stripping an established status or acceptance.
Difference Between Illegitimize and Delegitimize
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Illegitimize often implies that something is not authorized or established from the outset, whereas delegitimize involves the act of withdrawing legitimacy or support that was previously granted.
Illegitimize can suggest an absence of legal or formal standing originally, while delegitimize points to a reduction or removal of support, often in a political or social context.
Illegitimize is less commonly used and more absolute, often in legal or official contexts, on the other hand, delegitimize is frequently employed in discussions about political legitimacy or public perceptions.
Illegitimize might focus on foundational aspects being invalid, whereas delegitimize addresses the actions or processes that cause something to lose its perceived legitimacy.
Illegitimize can be seen as questioning the initial authority to rule or decide, whereas delegitimize often deals with an erosion of previously recognized authority or status.
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Comparison Chart
Meaning
To declare something inherently invalid or unauthorized.
To strip an established status or acceptance.
Usage Context
Legal, official documents.
Political, social discussions.
Connotation
Absolute, questioning foundational authority.
Process-oriented, reducing perceived legitimacy.
Frequency of Use
Less common.
More common, especially in political discourse.
Implication of Action
Often implies original absence of legitimacy.
Suggests removing or undermining existing legitimacy.
Compare with Definitions
Illegitimize
Make something officially unacceptable.
New policies illegitimize the use of outdated procedures.
Delegitimize
Undermine the accepted status of something.
Media reports helped to delegitimize the controversial policy.
Illegitimize
Declare something unauthorized from its inception.
The court ruling sought to illegitimize the previously accepted documents.
Delegitimize
Reduce or attack established legitimacy.
Activists seek to delegitimize corporate influence in politics.
Illegitimize
Refuse to recognize as valid.
The legislation was designed to illegitimize certain unofficial claims.
Delegitimize
Erode the credibility or recognition of something.
His statements served to delegitimize the electoral process.
Illegitimize
Question the foundation of authority.
The debate continues to illegitimize the traditional norms.
Delegitimize
Remove legitimacy from an established status.
The campaign aimed to delegitimize the government's authority.
Illegitimize
Deny legal status or acceptance.
The move was an attempt to illegitimize the opposition’s efforts.
Delegitimize
Withdraw support or recognition.
The international community began to delegitimize the dictator's regime.
Illegitimize
(transitive) To make illegitimate.
Delegitimize
To discredit the public or political recognition or support of.
Delegitimize
To make something less legitimate.
Delegitimize
To make something illegal that was previously legal.
Common Curiosities
What does it mean to illegitimize something?
Illegitimize means to declare something as unauthorized or invalid from its inception.
What does delegitimize mean?
Delegitimize refers to the process of stripping away the established legitimacy or acceptance of something.
How do the connotations of illegitimize and delegitimize differ?
Illegitimize connotes an absolute and foundational lack of authority, whereas delegitimize suggests a process of eroding existing legitimacy.
Does illegitimize have legal implications?
Yes, illegitimize can have legal implications, especially when it pertains to the authorization or validity of documents or rights.
How does the media use the term delegitimize?
The media might use delegitimize to describe the process of questioning or reducing the legitimacy of governments, policies, or public figures.
In what contexts might one use illegitimize?
Illegitimize is often used in legal or official contexts where foundational legitimacy is questioned.
Can illegitimize be applied to social norms?
Yes, illegitimize can be applied to social norms, especially when questioning their foundational validity or acceptance.
Where is delegitimize commonly used?
Delegitimize is commonly used in political or social contexts where legitimacy is reduced or questioned.
What impact does delegitimizing have on public perception?
Delegitimizing can significantly alter public perception by reducing the credibility or accepted status of an entity or idea.
How do illegitimize and delegitimize influence legal debates?
Both terms play crucial roles in legal debates, where the legitimacy of laws, regulations, or rights can determine their enforcement or repeal.
Can something be both illegitimized and delegitimized?
Yes, something can be both if it lacks original legitimacy and later efforts are made to further undermine any perceived legitimacy.
Is delegitimize a political term?
Yes, it is frequently used in political discourse to describe the undermining of authority or legitimacy.
Why might someone choose to use the term illegitimize?
Using the term illegitimize can emphasize the inherent lack of authorization or validity in a context, reinforcing legal or formal perspectives.
What is the purpose of delegitimizing a government?
The purpose is usually to diminish its authority and influence, often to prompt change or reform.
What are the effects of delegitimization on a political figure?
It can lead to decreased support and authority, impacting their ability to govern or influence.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
