The word "legitimates" is spelled with the letter "i" after the "g" because it is pronounced with a long "i" sound in the second syllable, represented by the IPA phonetic symbol /aɪ/. This indicates the "i" is pronounced as "eye." The word means to make something lawful or valid, often used in legal or bureaucratic contexts. Complying with regulations and obtaining proper documentation can legitimize a business or transaction, making it recognized and accepted.
Legitimates, as a noun in the plural form, refers to individuals who are born into or recognized within a legal or socially accepted union, marriage, or family. It pertains to people who are considered legitimate or rightful members of a family or society, often based on their parentage or legal status. The term is commonly used to distinguish such individuals from those who may be born out of wedlock or who lack official recognition.
From a legal perspective, legitimates are individuals who are born to married parents, giving them certain rights and privileges that may differ from those born to unmarried parents. This can include rights to inheritance, social status, or family ties. In a broader societal context, the term reflects the conventional norms and values around familial and social relationships.
Legitimates are also used to describe the process or act of legitimizing, which involves granting legal status or affirming the legitimacy of someone or something, be it an individual, action, or institution. This can occur through legal or societal means, such as through marriage, adoption, or official recognition.
Overall, legitimates encompass not only the concept of individuals who are born into established unions but also the legal and social framework that shapes and validates their status, rights, and identity.
The word "legitimates" is derived from the word "legitimate", which comes from the Latin word "legitimatus". It is the past participle of the verb "legitimare", which means "to make lawful" or "to legitimize". The Latin word "legitimatus" was adopted into Old French as "legitimer", and later entered the English language around the 15th century. "Legitimate" refers to something that is recognized as being genuine, valid, or conforming to established rules or standards. From "legitimate", the noun form "legitimates" is created to represent multiple instances or examples of legitimacy.