Definitions
- Referring to an action or behavior that is against the law. - Talking about something that is prohibited by law or not allowed by the government. - Describing an activity or behavior that is considered a crime or punishable by law.
- Referring to an action or behavior that is not morally or socially acceptable. - Talking about something that is forbidden by custom or society. - Describing an activity or behavior that is considered inappropriate or unacceptable by social norms.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words refer to actions or behaviors that are not allowed or accepted.
- 2Both words have negative connotations.
- 3Both words can be used to describe criminal activities.
- 4Both words can result in legal consequences.
What is the difference?
- 1Legal status: Illegal refers to actions that are against the law, while illicit refers to actions that are not socially acceptable.
- 2Moral judgment: Illegal is a neutral term that only refers to the legal status of an action, while illicit carries a moral judgment and implies wrongdoing.
- 3Scope: Illegal is a broader term that covers all actions that are against the law, while illicit is more specific and refers to actions that are socially unacceptable.
- 4Severity: Illegal can refer to both minor and major offenses, while illicit usually refers to more serious or taboo actions.
- 5Usage: Illegal is more commonly used in legal contexts, while illicit is more commonly used in social or moral contexts.
Remember this!
Illegal and illicit are synonyms that both refer to actions or behaviors that are not allowed or accepted. However, illegal specifically refers to actions that are against the law, while illicit refers to actions that are not socially acceptable. Additionally, illicit carries a moral judgment and is usually used in social or moral contexts.
