The spelling of the word "illegitimacies" can be a challenging one. It is pronounced as /ˌɪlɪdʒɪˈtɪməsiz/ and is derived from the root word "illegitimate". The suffix "-ies" is added to denote the plural form of the word. The word is used to describe something that is not lawful or accepted by social norms. It can be difficult to spell due to the length and complexity of the word, but with practice, one can become comfortable with it.
Illegitimacies, in a sociological and legal context, refer to the condition or quality of being illegitimate. Illegitimate, in turn, pertains to something that is not recognized or accepted by legal or social norms, often in reference to birth, relationships, or actions.
Specifically, when discussing illegitimacies in terms of birth, it refers to the status of children born to unwed parents. Historically, this concept carried significant social stigma, often resulting in discrimination and disadvantages for those labeled as illegitimate or born out of wedlock. However, as societal norms and attitudes have evolved, this association has diminished, and the significance of illegitimacies has weakened.
Illegitimacies can also extend to broader aspects, such as relationships or actions that are considered unacceptable or hidden from public view. In this sense, it can refer to actions or affairs that are morally or socially frowned upon, lacking legitimacy within the framework of established norms or laws.
It is important to note that the understanding and acceptance of illegitimacies can vary across different cultural, legal, and historical contexts. What may be considered illegitimate in one society might be accepted or even legitimized in another. Furthermore, with changing social attitudes, there has been a shift towards embracing diverse family structures and challenging traditional notions of legitimacy.
The word "illegitimacies" is derived from the combination of two separate components: "illegitimate" and the suffix "-cies".
1. "Illegitimate": The term originated from the Latin word "illegitimus", which is a combination of "il-" (meaning "not") and "legitimus" (meaning "lawful" or "legal"). In English, it was first recorded in the 1530s and refers to something that is not recognized or authorized by the law, specifically regarding birth or descent.
2. "-cies": This is a suffix that is used to form nouns from adjectives or verbs. It often indicates a state, condition, or quality. In the case of "illegitimacies", it is adding the notion of the state or condition of being illegitimate to the word.