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Licit Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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licit

[ˈlɪsɪt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

lawful context

Licit refers to something that is permitted by law, or not forbidden. It is often used in legal contexts to describe actions or things that are allowed and comply with established regulations.

Synonyms

allowed, legal, permissible.

Examples of usage

  • The sale of alcohol is licit in many countries.
  • They engaged in licit business practices.
  • The use of the software is licit under the terms of the agreement.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'licit'

The word 'licit' originates from the Latin word 'licitus', which means 'lawful' or 'permitted'. The Latin term derives from the root 'licere', meaning 'to be lawful or permitted'. The adoption of the word into English occurred in the late Middle Ages, influenced by the growing use of Latin in legal and scholarly contexts. Throughout its history, 'licit' has primarily been used in legal terminology, often juxtaposed with 'illicit', which denotes illegal or forbidden actions. The use of 'licit' emphasizes compliance with laws and regulations, making it a critical term in discussions of legality and morality.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,490 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.