Definitions
- Describing an action that is not authorized by law or rules. - Referring to something that is not legitimate or legal. - Talking about an act that is morally or ethically wrong.
- Describing an action that is against the law or illegal. - Referring to something that is not authorized by law or rules. - Talking about an act that is prohibited by law.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe actions that are not authorized by law or rules.
- 2Both words refer to something that is not legitimate or legal.
- 3Both words can be used to describe an act that is morally or ethically wrong.
What is the difference?
- 1Usage: Illegitimately is more commonly used to describe actions that are morally or ethically wrong, while unlawfully is more commonly used to describe actions that are against the law.
- 2Connotation: Illegitimately has a negative connotation and implies wrongdoing, while unlawfully has a neutral connotation and simply describes an action that is against the law.
- 3Formality: Unlawfully is more formal than illegitimately, which is more commonly used in informal contexts.
- 4Scope: Illegitimately is a broader term that can encompass both legal and moral violations, while unlawfully specifically refers to actions that are against the law.
Remember this!
Illegitimately and unlawfully are synonyms that describe actions that are not authorized by law or rules. However, illegitimately is more commonly used to describe actions that are morally or ethically wrong, while unlawfully is more commonly used to describe actions that are against the law. Additionally, illegitimately has a negative connotation and is more informal, while unlawfully is more formal and neutral in tone.
