Definition

In a way that is not allowed by law or rules; done illegally or unethically.

Example

He was caught selling drugs illicitly.

Conversation

Did you hear about the guy who was caught doing something illicitly?

Yeah, it's crazy how some people just don’t care about the rules.

I wonder what drives them to act illicitly like that.

Maybe they think they'll never get caught, but it always backfires.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Illicitly → It is formed from "illicit" (from Latin "illicitus", meaning not permitted or unlawful) and "-ly" (a suffix used to form adverbs). The word "illicitly" means in a manner that is not allowed or unlawful.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'not permitted' ('illicit') and remember that doing it 'illicitly' means doing it in a way that is against the rules.

Visually Confused Words