Definitions
- Describing something that is not authorized or approved by law or social norms. - Referring to something that is not legitimate or valid. - Talking about something that is not in accordance with accepted standards or principles.
- Describing something that is prohibited or forbidden by law. - Referring to something that is against the law or criminal. - Talking about something that is not authorized or permitted by legal authorities.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe actions that are against the law or social norms.
- 2Both words imply that something is not authorized or permitted.
- 3Both words can be used to describe criminal behavior.
- 4Both words have negative connotations.
What is the difference?
- 1Usage: Illegitimately is less commonly used than illegally.
- 2Meaning: Illegitimately refers to something that is not legitimate or valid, while illegally refers specifically to actions that are against the law.
- 3Connotation: Illegitimately can sometimes have a neutral or even positive connotation, while illegally always has a negative connotation.
- 4Scope: Illegitimately can refer to actions that are not necessarily criminal, while illegally always implies criminal activity.
- 5Formality: Illegitimately is more formal than illegally.
Remember this!
Illegitimately and illegally are synonyms that both describe actions that are not authorized or permitted. However, illegitimately refers to something that is not legitimate or valid, while illegally specifically describes actions that are against the law. Additionally, illegitimately is less commonly used and more formal than illegally.
