Definitions
- Referring to the legal system, laws, and regulations. - Talking about documents or contracts that are legally binding. - Describing actions or behaviors that are in accordance with the law.
- Describing actions or behaviors that are allowed or permitted by law. - Talking about something that is in accordance with the law. - Referring to something that is not illegal or criminal.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words are related to the law and legal system.
- 2Both words refer to actions or behaviors that are in accordance with the law.
- 3Both words can be used to describe documents or contracts that are legally binding.
What is the difference?
- 1Usage: Legal is more commonly used than lawful in legal contexts and discussions.
- 2Scope: Legal is a broader term that encompasses all aspects of the law, while lawful is more specific and refers to actions or behaviors that are allowed by law.
- 3Connotation: Legal can have a neutral or formal connotation, while lawful can have a positive connotation as it implies following the law and being a law-abiding citizen.
Remember this!
Legal and lawful are synonyms that refer to actions or behaviors that are in accordance with the law. However, legal is a broader term that encompasses all aspects of the law, while lawful is more specific and refers to actions or behaviors that are allowed by law. Legal is more commonly used in legal contexts and discussions, while lawful has a positive connotation as it implies following the law and being a law-abiding citizen.