Legitimated

Legitimated, in its core meaning, signifies the act of making something lawful or legitimate; conferring legal status or approval upon it. This applies to various contexts, including actions, relationships, and even ideas. It often involves validating or justifying something previously considered questionable, unofficial, or informal. The process of legitimation usually involves establishing a framework of rules, standards, or recognition by an authority, group, or convention, such as government or society. This could mean formalizing a process, recognizing a right, or accepting a belief. Ultimately, legitimation provides a sense of acceptance and validity, making something more widely recognized and less subject to challenge or dispute. It often involves a shift from the periphery to the center, the marginal to the mainstream.

Legitimated meaning with examples

• The new government, seeking international recognition, swiftly legitimated its control through a series of carefully crafted diplomatic initiatives, formalizing treaties and establishing embassies. These actions sought to establish its power and present itself as the only legitimate voice. This process garnered significant praise and, eventually, global acceptance of the new ruling body. The quick action also helped stave off any coup attempts that were in discussion.
• Through decades of tireless campaigning, the activist group finally legitimated their cause by convincing parliament to introduce a bill. This bill helped establish equal rights for the cause. The legislation granted recognition, previously lacking, and changed social attitudes; their fight for equality had officially transformed from a fringe movement into one with legal footing. Their success was widely celebrated as a win for human rights.
• The scientific community legitimated the controversial research findings by repeating the experiments independently and confirming the results. Their work added to the existing data. Publication in a peer-reviewed journal provided further validation, elevating the work from speculation to accepted knowledge within the field. This process allowed acceptance by the community, while also spurring more growth, both positive and negative.
• The company legitimated its new marketing strategy by conducting extensive market research to gather data. This research established evidence and support for the data. The findings proved the need for more advertising, thereby validating their approach to the board. They also ensured their plan was reviewed by a variety of external, trusted agencies, therefore helping them to earn credibility. The company therefore began its new campaign confidently.