illegitimately
UK/,ɪlɪ'dʒɪtɪmətli/US
C2
Definitions
adv.
In an unlawful or unauthorized way
非法地；不正当地
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedil-not, opposite of
+
legitimatechoose, pick, read, gather
+
-lyin the manner of
=illegitimately
il- (not) + legitimate + -ly. The leg here is the 'law' branch (lex/legis). 'In a way that is not lawful.'
Example Sentences
- 1.
He was accused of illegitimately diverting public funds.