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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Illicit and Illegal?

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The difference between illicit and illegal lies in the nature of the activities they describe and the context in which they are used. Here are the key distinctions:

  • Illegal: Activities that are forbidden by law are considered illegal. These activities are not legally permitted or authorized and are unlawful.
  • Illicit: Illicit activities are considered improper or socially forbidden. They may or may not be illegal, but they go against social norms and values. Illicit behaviors can be unethical, such as cheating on an exam, or simply disapproved of by a society for various reasons, such as religious beliefs.

In summary, while both illicit and illegal activities are against the law, illicit activities also encompass behaviors that are considered socially unacceptable or morally wrong.

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  • What is the Difference Between Illicit and Illegal?
  • Comparative Table: Illicit vs Illegal

    • Comparative Table: Illicit vs Illegal

    The difference between "illicit" and "illegal" lies in the scope of their meanings and the context in which they are used:

    Term Meaning Context
    Illicit Forbidden by law, rules, custom, or other set of principles. Illicit activities are considered improper or socially forbidden, and they may or may not be against the law. Illicit activities can include unethical or socially disapproved behavior, such as cheating on an exam or homosexuality in some parts of the US and other countries.
    Illegal Forbidden only by law. Illegal activities are in violation of statute, regulation, or ordinance. Illegal activities are more specific and refer to actions that are expressly proscribed by the law of the government, such as selling cocaine or jaywalking.

    In summary, "illicit" is a broader term that often includes a moral or ethical connotation, whereas "illegal" does not. Illicit activities may be against the law, but they also encompass actions that are disapproved of or not permitted for moral or ethical reasons.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.