What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
legitimacy
Example
The legitimacy of the election results was questioned by many. [legitimacy: noun]
Example
The government has the legitimacy to enforce laws and regulations. [legitimacy: noun]
authenticity
Example
The authenticity of the painting was confirmed by an expert. [authenticity: noun]
Example
I appreciate the authenticity of this restaurant's traditional recipes. [authenticity: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Authenticity is more commonly used than legitimacy in everyday language. Authenticity is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while legitimacy is more specific and often used in formal or technical contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between legitimacy and authenticity?
Legitimacy is typically associated with a formal or technical tone, while authenticity can be used in both formal and informal contexts.