illicit
Definitions
Forbidden by law; unlawful
非法的，违法的
Not allowed by rules or social custom; disapproved of
不正当的，违反规范的（如私情）
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedil- is the negative in- ("not") assimilated before l + licit (allowed) = "not allowed" → unlawful, forbidden. The l doubles because in- becomes il- before another l (compare illegal, illogical). It is the exact mirror of licit, just as illegal mirrors legal.
Root licit still carries 5 more wordsUsage Guide
illicit vs illegal — closely related but not identical. illegal = strictly against the written law (illegal parking, illegal immigration). illicit = against the law OR against rules/social norms, and it carries a flavor of secrecy and disapproval (illicit affair, illicit substances). An illicit relationship may break no statute but is still frowned upon; illegal is purely about the law. Also note the spelling: one 'l' then double 'l' — i-l-l-i-c-i-t.
Example Sentences
- 1.
The police seized a large quantity of illicit drugs at the border.
- 2.
He was dismissed for his illicit dealings with suppliers.
- 3.
The affair was kept secret because it was illicit.
Easily Confused
illicit vs elicit — pure homophones (both /ɪˈlɪsɪt/) and a classic trap. illicit (adj.) = forbidden, from licēre. elicit (v.) = to draw out a response or information (elicit a reaction), from lacere ("entice") — a different root entirely. Tip: illicit the adjective vs elicit the verb — if you can replace it with "unlawful," it's illicit.
Synonym Comparison
- illicit — forbidden, often secret/disreputable: illicit drugs
- illegal — strictly against the law: illegal parking
- unlawful — formal/legal term for not permitted by law
- forbidden — explicitly banned by an authority or rule
- prohibited — formally banned, often by regulation: prohibited items