Basic Details
Word: Illegal
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Not allowed by law; something that is against the rules and cannot be done legally.
Synonyms: Unlawful, prohibited, illicit
Antonyms: Legal, lawful, permitted
Idioms and Phrases
- Breaking the law: To do something that is not allowed by law. Example: "Stealing from a shop is breaking the law and can lead to serious consequences."
- On the wrong side of the law: To be in trouble with the law or to have done something illegal. Example: "He was on the wrong side of the law when he drove without a licence."
Usage Examples
Example 1: Selling drugs is illegal and often leads to severe punishment.
Example 2: The park was closed due to illegal dumping of rubbish.
Example 3: It is illegal to park in front of a fire hydrant, as it can hinder firefighters in case of an emergency.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the word "illegal" comes from the Latin word "illegalis," where "il-" means not and "legalis" means legal? It has been used in English since the early 16th century to describe things that are against the law.
Famous Quote
"Laws alone cannot secure freedom of expression; in order that every human being may produce works of genius, a condition must be established which provides both physical and intellectual freedom." Albert Einstein
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "illegal" mean?
a) Allowed by law
b) Not allowed by law
c) A type of animal
d) A form of dance
Answer: b) Not allowed by law
2. Which of these is a synonym of "illegal"?
a) Legal
b) Unlawful
c) Permitted
d) Allowed
Answer: b) Unlawful
3. Which sentence uses "illegal" correctly?
a) It is illegal to play outside when it rains.
b) It is illegal to rob a bank.
c) It is illegal to eat ice cream on Thursdays.
d) It is illegal to read books at home.
Answer: b) It is illegal to rob a bank.
4. Which idiom means the same as "illegal"?
a) On the wrong side of the law
b) At the drop of a hat
c) Not my cup of tea
d) Under the weather
Answer: a) On the wrong side of the law
5. What is the opposite of "illegal"?
a) Legal
b) Unlawful
c) Prohibited
d) Illicit
Answer: a) Legal
