illegal
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ɪˈliːɡəl/
KK: /ɪˈliɡəl/
adjective
Definition
Not allowed by law or rules.
Example
Driving without a license is illegal.
Conversation
Did you hear about that new law against street racing?
Yeah, it makes sense since it was so illegal before.
Exactly! I can't believe people used to think it was okay.
Right? It's good they're finally taking it seriously.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
unlawful
illicit
forbidden
Antonyms
legal
permissible
allowed
noun
Definition
Not allowed by law; something that is against the law.
Example
The police arrested him for being an illegal.
Conversation
Did you hear about the recent news on illegal immigration?
Yeah, it's such a complicated issue these days.
I wonder how many people are affected by being labeled as illegal.
Root Explanation
Illegal → It is formed from "in-" (meaning not) and "legalis" (from Latin, meaning lawful or relating to the law). The word "illegal" means not lawful or against the law.
Memory Tip
Think of 'not' ('in-') and 'lawful' ('legalis') to remember that 'illegal' means something that is not lawful.
Visually Confused Words
legal
milligal