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illicitforbidden by law, rules, or custom; illegal or improper

Part of speech: ADJECTIVE

Definition: forbidden by law, rules, or custom; illegal or improper

Pronunciation (IPA): /ɪˈlɪsɪt/

Example Sentences

  • The teacher caught students engaged in illicit note-passing during the exam.
  • The company was involved in illicit financial transactions.
  • He made illicit copies of the movie and sold them at the market.

illicit

ADJECTIVE

[/ɪˈlɪsɪt/]

forbidden by law, rules, or custom; illegal or improper

Smugglers unload illicit goods from a hidden ship at midnight.
💡 Concept

Smugglers unload illicit goods from a hidden ship at midnight.

Explicit evidence can elicit the truth about illicit deeds!
🎵 Rhyme

Explicit evidence can elicit the truth about illicit deeds!

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ɪˈlɪsɪt/
🇬🇧 UK/ɪˈlɪsɪt/

🌳Etymology

Prefixil--
Rootlicit

Origin

From Latin 'illicitus', meaning 'not allowed' or 'forbidden'. The word combines the prefix 'il-' (not) with 'licitus' (lawful, permitted), which derives from 'licere' (to be permitted).

Breakdown

il- (not) + -licit (from Latin licitus, lawful/permitted) = illicit (not permitted/forbidden)

🎵Rhyme

elicitsolicitexplicit
elicit
solicit
explicit

🔗Collocations

illicit drugs
illicit activities
illicit affair
illicit trade
illicit relationship

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

The teacher caught students engaged in illicit note-passing during the exam.

The company was involved in illicit financial transactions.

He made illicit copies of the movie and sold them at the market.

The detective uncovered an illicit gambling ring operating in the basement.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

illegalunlawfulforbiddenprohibitedunauthorized

Antonyms

legallawfullegitimate

Related

elicitsolicitexplicitimplicit

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