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lawful

[ˈlɔːfʊl]

lawful Definition

  • 1allowed by law; legal
  • 2conforming to, permitted by, or recognized by law or rules

Using lawful: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "lawful" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The police have the power to arrest anyone who is not acting in a lawful manner.

  • Example

    The company has a lawful right to protect its intellectual property.

  • Example

    It is not lawful to discriminate against someone based on their race or gender.

  • Example

    The judge ruled that the search was conducted in a lawful manner.

lawful Synonyms and Antonyms

Phrases with lawful

  • lawful wife/husband

    a spouse who is legally married to another person

    Example

    He left his lawful wife and children to be with his mistress.

  • the legally authorized surveillance of electronic communications, such as phone calls or emails

    Example

    The government agency requested a lawful interception of the suspect's phone calls.

  • a foreign national who has been granted the right to live and work in a country permanently

    Example

    After living in the US for five years, she became a lawful permanent resident.

Origins of lawful

from Old English 'laguful', meaning 'full of law'

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Summary: lawful in Brief

The term 'lawful' [ˈlɔːfʊl] refers to actions or situations that are allowed or recognized by law or rules. It is often used in legal contexts, such as 'The company has a lawful right to protect its intellectual property.' 'Lawful' can also refer to relationships, as in 'He left his lawful wife and children to be with his mistress.'

How do native speakers use this expression?