How Do You Spell ILLEGITIMATELY?

Pronunciation: [ɪləd͡ʒˈɪtɪmətli] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "illegitimately" can be confusing because it contains many syllables and unusual combinations of letters. The IPA phonetic transcription of the word is /ɪˌlɛdʒ.ɪt.ɪˈmeɪt.li/. This means that the stressed syllables are "legit" and "mate," with schwas in between. The "e" in "legit" is pronounced as a short "e" sound, while the "a" in "mate" is pronounced as a long "a" sound. There are also two silent letters, "g" and "e," in the middle of the word, which can add to the confusion when spelling it.

ILLEGITIMATELY Meaning and Definition

  1. Illegitimately is an adverb derived from the adjective "illegitimate," which refers to something that is not recognized as being lawful, valid, or acceptable by established customs or laws. This adverb is commonly used to describe actions or behaviors that are done in an unauthorized, improper, or unjust manner.

    Illegitimately can be applied to various situations where something is obtained, done, or achieved in a way that is considered unlawful, improper, or unethical. It emphasizes that the action deviates from the accepted norms, rules, or expectations. For example, if someone acquires wealth or possessions through fraudulent means or by engaging in criminal activities, their actions can be described as illegitimate. Similarly, if someone attains a position of power or authority through unfair or nepotistic means, their rise to power can be considered illegitimate.

    The term can also be used to describe any action that goes against established rules, regulations, or moral principles. This could include engaging in activities that are socially, culturally, or religiously prohibited or acting without rightful authority or consent. In essence, illegitimately encompasses actions or behaviors that lack legitimacy, validity, or moral ground.

    Overall, the adverb illegitimately is used to characterize actions or behaviors that are done in an unauthorized, improper, or unjust manner, either by breaking the law or disregarding accepted standards or principles.

Common Misspellings for ILLEGITIMATELY

Etymology of ILLEGITIMATELY

The word illegitimately is derived from the combination of two Latin roots: illegitimus and ly.

The first part, illegitimus, comes from the Latin word illegitimus, which is a combination of il- (meaning not) and legitimus (meaning legitimate). In Latin, legitimus is derived from lex (meaning law) and timus (a suffix indicating the nature of something).

The second part, -ly, is an adverb-forming suffix in English that typically denotes manner or quality.

So, illegitimately essentially means in a manner that is not legitimate or in a manner not in accordance with the law.

Similar spelling words for ILLEGITIMATELY

Infographic

Add the infographic to your website: