1.
legitimacy; rightfulness; justification
The quality of being morally right, logically justified, or socially acceptable. Often used when questioning or asserting whether an action, decision, or claim is properly grounded.
正当性を主張する。
To assert legitimacy.
その決定の正当性が問われている。
The legitimacy of that decision is being questioned.
自分の行動に正当性があると信じているからこそ、強く主張できる。
It is precisely because you believe your actions are justified that you can argue your case confidently.
Formed from 正当 (legitimate, justified) + 性 (-ness). Used in formal and academic discourse to discuss whether actions or claims are morally or logically sound.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 正当性を問う — to question the legitimacy of
- 正当性を証明する — to prove justification
- 正当性を欠く — to lack legitimacy
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 妥当性: validity, reasonableness (whether something is sensible/appropriate)
- 合法性: legality (whether something is permitted by law)
- 正統性: legitimate succession (same pronunciation; refers to rightful authority by lineage or tradition)