illegitimate

The definition of illegitimate is a person who was born to unmarried parents, or something that is incorrectly decided, or is not in accordance with the rules or laws.

(adjective)

  1. A baby who is born to a single mother who is not married is an example of a baby that would be described as illegitimate.
  2. A decision made by one member of a group without asking the group's opinion is an example of an illegitimate decision.
  3. A unilateral decision by a club member to change the club rules without following proper processes is an example of an illegitimate act.

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See illegitimate in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

  1. born of parents not married to each other; bastard
  2. incorrectly deduced: not logical: an illegitimate conclusion
  3. contrary to law or rules; illegal; unlawful
  4. not in keeping with accepted usage: said of words or phrases

Origin: < ML illegitimatus, pp. of illegitimare, to make illegitimate < L illegitimus, not lawful: see in- & legitimate

Related Forms:

See illegitimate in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective
  1. Against the law; illegal.
  2. Born out of wedlock.
  3. Grammar Not in correct usage.
  4. Incorrectly deduced; illogical.
  5. Biology Unacceptable as a scientific name because of contradiction to the international rules of nomenclature.

Related Forms:

  • ilˌle·gitˈi·mate·ly adverb

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