illegally

Everyday

Illegally means in a way that is against the law. tree →

In the lessons

In news, citizenship lessons and stories, it tells the reader someone broke a law, such as parking illegally, downloading films illegally or selling goods illegally. Phrases: «parked illegally», «illegally downloaded», «entered illegally», «illegally dumped».

Examples

• The car was parked illegally on the zigzag lines outside school. tree →
• Films downloaded illegally can carry viruses. tree →
• The rubbish was dumped illegally in the woods. tree →
• The man was fishing illegally without a licence. tree →
• It is against the rules, but is it done illegally? tree →
• They illegally sold fireworks to children. tree →

Note

Adverb from «illegal» + -ly; il- (not) + legal. Spelling: two l's at the start (iLLegaLLy) and two at the end. Do not confuse with «ill» (sick). «Against the rules» at school is not always «illegal» (against the law of the country).