Criminally Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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criminally
[ˈkrɪmɪnəli ]
Definition
legally related
Criminally refers to actions or behaviors that are associated with crime or an offense against the law. It is often used to describe conduct that is legally considered wrong or unlawful. This term may indicate a degree of severity in the offense, suggesting that the action is not just morally questionable but also punishable by law.
Synonyms
illegally, offensively, unlawfully.
Examples of usage
- He was criminally charged with theft.
- The company was found guilty of criminally negligent behavior.
- They acted criminally in their decision-making processes.
Translations
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Origin of 'criminally'
The term 'criminally' is derived from the word 'criminal', which comes from the Latin word 'criminalis', meaning 'of a crime' or 'criminal'. This Latin root is based on 'crimen', meaning 'crime' or 'accusation'. The use of 'criminal' in English dates back to the late Middle Ages, where it was used to describe individuals who committed acts against the law. Over time, 'criminally' emerged as the adverb form to specify the manner in which an act is committed in relation to criminal law. The term has evolved to encompass not only legal definitions but also moral interpretations, as actions deemed 'criminal' often invoke discussions regarding ethical behavior and societal norms.