Words / B1

i-LEEG-uh-lee/ɪˈliːɡəli/

Illegally means in a way that breaks the law: park illegally; work illegally. Illegal is the adjective (already in the dictionary). Unlawfully is more legalistic. Wrongly is moral, not always legal. Double yellow lines: parked illegally.

Meaning

In a way that breaks the law.

Examples

• “The van was parked illegally on the double yellow lines.”
• “The app was operating illegally without a licence.”

Good to know

illegally + verb (park, copy, employ). Adjective: illegal. Legal twin: unlawfully. Moral: wrongly. Traffic / licensing news.

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