Words / C1

un-LORFL/ʌnˈlɔːfl/

Unlawful means not allowed by law: unlawful access, unlawful obstruction. Illegal is everyday and close; legal sits opposite. A wedge in a fire door is a log, however pretty the paint.

Meaning

Not allowed by law.

Examples

• “An unlawful wedge in a fire door is a log, not a styling note.”
• “Illegal is everyday. Illicit is secret-wrong. Styling is design. An exit must open. Pull the wedge; write the time.”

Good to know

Against the law. Everyday: illegal. Styling ≠ a clear exit.

Near in meaning

illegal

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