As verbs the difference between authenticate and legitimize
is that authenticate is to render authentic; to give authority to, by the proof, attestation, or formalities required by law, or sufficient to entitle to credit while legitimize is to make legitimate.
authenticate
Verb
(en-verb)
To render authentic; to give authority to, by the proof, attestation, or formalities required by law, or sufficient to entitle to credit.
To prove authentic; to determine as real and true; as, to authenticate a portrait.
References
*
legitimize
English
Alternative forms
* legitimise
Verb
(legitimiz)
To make legitimate.
Usage notes
* Forms of (legitimize) ares about twice as common as forms of the verb legitimate in the US.
* Forms of legitimate are somewhat more common than the forms of the verbs (legitimize) and (legitimise) in the UK combined.
Synonyms
* legitimate (verb)
Derived terms
* delegitimize
* illegitimatize
* illegitimize
