
Illegitimate
Legal Context
Used to describe someone's status in relation to laws of inheritance and marriage.
The lawyer clarified that the estate could not be passed to an illegitimate heir.
Historical Usage
Historically, focused on birth status; now often about legal recognition in various contexts.
The novel set in the 18th century explores the struggles of an illegitimate offspring.
Sensitive Term
May be seen as offensive; sensitive situations call for terms like 'born out of wedlock'.
In official forms, children are referred to as illegitimate less frequently now. Compare with
AuthorizeBastardFakeFalseIllicitImproperLawfulSpurious
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension