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.
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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.
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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.