illegally

UK: ɪˈliːɡəli | US: ɪˈliːɡəli

Definition

  1. adv. in a manner contrary to or forbidden by law

  2. adv. without legal authority or permission

Structure
il <not>legal <law>ly <adverb suffix>
Etymology

The word "illegally" combines three morphemes:

  1. "il-" (a variant of "in-"), a Latin prefix meaning "not," often used before words starting with "l" (e.g., illegal, illogical).
  2. "legal," from Latin "legalis" (related to law), derived from "lex" (law).
  3. "-ly," an Old English suffix forming adverbs from adjectives.

The progression reflects negation ("il-") of conformity to law ("legal"), with "-ly" converting it into an adverbial form. This structure efficiently conveys "in a law-breaking manner."

Examples

  1. He was accused of entering the country illegally.

  2. The documents were obtained illegally through hacking.

  3. Parking illegally in this zone will result in a fine.

  4. The protestors were arrested for illegally blocking the road.

  5. Streaming copyrighted content illegally is a punishable offense.