ILLEGITIMATE CHILD Meaning and
Definition
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An illegitimate child is a concept historically used to describe a child born to parents who were not married or in a legally recognized union at the time of the child's birth. This term is rooted in societal and legal norms that emphasized marriage as the legitimate foundation for procreation and family formation. An illegitimate child, commonly referred to as a "bastard," was considered to possess a lesser status and was often stigmatized due to the circumstances of their birth.
However, it is essential to acknowledge the evolving societal perspectives and changing legal frameworks surrounding family dynamics. In many modern legal systems, the term "illegitimate child" has been replaced with more neutral and inclusive terms such as "child born out of wedlock" or simply "child." This shift reflects a growing recognition that every child deserves equal rights and dignity, regardless of the marital status of their parents.
It is important to note that using such terms might carry a negative connotation due to the historical implications and the potential for perpetuating discriminatory attitudes. In contemporary discourse, it is advisable to employ language that promotes equality and avoids marginalization.
Common Misspellings for ILLEGITIMATE CHILD
- ullegitimate child
- jllegitimate child
- kllegitimate child
- ollegitimate child
- 9llegitimate child
- 8llegitimate child
- iklegitimate child
- iplegitimate child
- iolegitimate child
- ilkegitimate child
- ilpegitimate child
- iloegitimate child
- illwgitimate child
- illsgitimate child
- illdgitimate child
- illrgitimate child
- ill4gitimate child
- ill3gitimate child
- illefitimate child
- illevitimate child
Etymology of ILLEGITIMATE CHILD
The etymology of the phrase illegitimate child can be traced back to the Latin words illegitimus and filium.
The Latin term illegitimus is derived from the combination of ilegitimus (meaning not lawful or not legitimate) and -imus (a suffix indicating superlative or extreme degree).
The word filium is the accusative form of the Latin word filius, which means son or child.
Thus, when illegitimus and filium are combined, they create the phrase illegitimus filium, which means not lawful son. Over time, this phrase was anglicized, evolving into illegitimate child.
