Definitions
- Referring to an action or activity that is prohibited by law. - Talking about something that is against the law or not allowed by law. - Describing an act that is criminal or punishable by law.
- Referring to an action or activity that is not authorized by law. - Talking about something that is not permitted by law or violates the law. - Describing an act that is not legal or not in accordance with the law.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe actions that are not allowed by law.
- 2Both words are used to indicate that something is against the law.
- 3Both words can be used interchangeably in some contexts.
What is the difference?
- 1Usage: Illegal is more commonly used than unlawful in everyday language.
- 2Connotation: Illegal has a stronger connotation of being criminal or punishable by law, while unlawful is more neutral and can refer to any action that violates the law.
- 3Scope: Illegal is a broader term that covers a wider range of activities, while unlawful is more specific and often used in legal contexts.
- 4Formality: Unlawful is generally considered more formal than illegal.
Remember this!
While illegal and unlawful are often used interchangeably, there are some differences between the two. Both words refer to actions that are not allowed by law, but illegal has a stronger connotation of being criminal or punishable by law, while unlawful is more neutral and can refer to any action that violates the law. Additionally, illegal is a broader term that covers a wider range of activities, while unlawful is more specific and often used in legal contexts. Unlawful is also generally considered more formal than illegal.
