Definitions
- Referring to something that is forbidden or prohibited by law, but not necessarily criminal. - Describing an activity or behavior that is considered immoral, unethical, or socially unacceptable. - Talking about something that is done secretly or in violation of accepted norms or standards.
- Referring to something that is explicitly prohibited by law and is considered a crime. - Describing an activity or behavior that violates legal statutes or regulations. - Talking about something that is not authorized or permitted by law.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words refer to actions or behaviors that are not allowed by law.
- 2Both words imply a violation of legal norms or standards.
- 3Both words can be used to describe criminal activities.
What is the difference?
- 1Scope: Illicit refers to actions that are prohibited by law, but not necessarily criminal, while unlawful specifically refers to criminal activities.
- 2Moral implications: Illicit implies a moral or ethical judgment, while unlawful does not necessarily carry the same connotation.
- 3Severity: Unlawful is a stronger term than illicit and implies a more serious offense.
- 4Legal context: Unlawful is a more formal term and is often used in legal contexts, while illicit is more commonly used in everyday language.
- 5Subjectivity: Illicit is a more subjective term and can vary depending on cultural or social norms, while unlawful is more objective and defined by legal statutes.
Remember this!
While both illicit and unlawful refer to actions that are not allowed by law, there are some key differences between the two terms. Illicit refers to actions that are prohibited by law, but not necessarily criminal, and carries a moral or ethical judgment. In contrast, unlawful specifically refers to criminal activities and is a stronger term that implies a more serious offense. Additionally, unlawful is a more formal term that is often used in legal contexts, while illicit is more commonly used in everyday language.
