licit

[ lis-it ]

adjective

1. legal; lawful; legitimate; permissible.

licit

/ ˈlɪsɪt /

adjective

1. a less common word for lawful

Derived Forms

• ˈlicitly, adverb
• ˈlicitness, noun

Other Words From

• licit·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of licit¹

1475–85; < Latin licitus permitted (past participle of licēre ); replacing earlier licite < Middle French; -ite ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of licit¹

C15: from Latin licitus permitted, from licēre to be permitted

Example Sentences

But animals’ taste for human goods — licit and illicit — can also bring trouble for them and for us.

From New York Times

"The war and its consequences have led to an increased use of licit and illicit psychoactive substances."

From Reuters

Mexican cartels have also expanded their reach, muscling into licit trades for limes and avocados.

From New York Times

These are, namely, “crime and corruption, secrets and lies, the permeable membrane separating licit and illicit worlds, the bonds of family, the power of denial.”

From Washington Post

The pontiff has repeatedly denounced it as evidence of “throwaway culture,” and in 2019 he asked at a Catholic-sponsored conference, “Is it licit to hire a hitman to resolve a problem?”

From Seattle Times