illegitimately-obtained
|il-le-git-i-mate-ly-ob-tained|
C1
🇺🇸
/ˌɪlɪˈdʒɪtəmətli əbˈteɪnd/
🇬🇧
/ˌɪlɪˈdʒɪtɪmətli əbˈteɪnd/
unlawfully acquired
Etymology
Etymology Information
'illegitimately-obtained' originates from the Latin word 'illegitimus,' where 'in-' meant 'not' and 'legitimus' meant 'lawful.'
Historical Evolution
'Illegitimus' transformed into the Old French word 'illégitime,' and eventually became the modern English word 'illegitimate.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'not lawful,' and over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'acquired in a manner that is not legally or morally acceptable.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
acquired in a manner that is not legally or morally acceptable.
The funds were illegitimately-obtained through fraudulent activities.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/04/07 22:56