licit
adjective
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Illicit vs Licit
Licit is far less common than its antonym illicit, but you probably won't be surprised to learn that the former is the older of the two. Not by much, though: the first known use of licit in print is from 1483, whereas illicit shows up in print for the first time in 1506. For some reason illicit took off while licit just plodded along. When licit appears these days, it often modifies drugs or crops. Meanwhile, illicit shows up before words like thrill and passion (as well as gambling, relationship, activities, and, of course, drugs and crops.) The Latin word licitus, meaning "lawful," is the root of the pair; licitus itself is from licēre, meaning "to be permitted."
Synonyms
- lawful
- legal
- legit [slang]
- legitimate
Example Sentences
Joanna Petrone, Longreads, 18 Aug. 2017 Word History
Middle French licite, from Latin licitus, from past participle of licēre to be permitted — more at license
15th century, in the meaning defined above
Legal Definition
licit
adjective
licit
adjective
Synonyms & Similar Words
- legitimate
- legal
- lawful
- justifiable
- authorized
- regulation
- legit
- allowable
- permissible
- constitutional
- good
- proper
- statutory
- warrantable
- noncriminal
- right
- just
- innocent
- de jure
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- illicit
- illegal
- unlawful
- illegitimate
- wrongful
- immoral
- evil
- sinful
- criminal
- prohibited
- wrong
- lawless
- wicked
- forbidden
- unjust
- iniquitous
- bad
- unauthorized
- impermissible
- guilty
- outlawed
- reprobate
- corrupt
- unconstitutional
- banned
- under-the-table
- under-the-counter
- nonconstitutional
Synonym Chooser
Some common synonyms of licit are lawful, legal, and legitimate. While all these words mean "being in accordance with law," licit applies to a strict conformity to the provisions of the law and applies especially to what is regulated by law.
The words lawful and licit can be used in similar contexts, but lawful may apply to conformity with law of any sort (such as natural, divine, common, or canon).
While in some cases nearly identical to licit, legal applies to what is sanctioned by law or in conformity with the law, especially as it is written or administered by the courts.
Although the words legitimate and licit have much in common, legitimate may apply to a legal right or status but also, in extended use, to a right or status supported by tradition, custom, or accepted standards.