What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
illegitimately
Example
The company was accused of illegitimately obtaining confidential information from its competitors. [illegitimately: adverb]
Example
The child was born illegitimately, and his parents were not married. [illegitimately: adverb]
illegally
Example
He was arrested for illegally selling drugs on the street corner. [illegally: adverb]
Example
The company was fined for illegally dumping toxic waste into the river. [illegally: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Illegally is more commonly used than illegitimately in everyday language. Illegally is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while illegitimately is less common and more formal.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between illegitimately and illegally?
Illegitimately is more formal than illegally. It is often used in legal or academic contexts, while illegally is more commonly used in everyday language.
