lawful
/'lɔ:ful/
Definition
- Adjective:
- Authorized, sanctioned by, or in accordance with law: Describes something that is permitted, recognized, or established by the legal system.
- Having a legally established claim: Refers to a right, title, or status that is valid and recognized by law.
- According to custom, rule, or natural law: Describes actions or principles that are considered right or acceptable based on established norms or inherent moral principles.
- Conformable to or allowed by law: Indicates that an action or method does not violate any statutes or regulations.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- The police used only lawful means to conduct the investigation.
- He is the lawful heir to the estate, as stated in the will.
- Protest is a lawful form of expression in a democratic society.
- They sought a lawful resolution to the dispute through the courts.
Advanced Usage
"Lawful authority": Power or right that is granted and recognized by law.
- The officer acted under lawful authority when issuing the order.
"Lawful age": The age at which a person is recognized by law as having full adult rights and responsibilities.
- She inherited the property when she reached lawful age.
Variants and Related Words
Lawfully (adverb): In a lawful manner.
- The property was lawfully acquired.
Lawfulness (noun): The quality or state of being lawful.
- The court confirmed the lawfulness of the contract.
Unlawful (adjective): The direct antonym, meaning not conforming to, permitted by, or recognized by law.
- The judge ruled the search was unlawful.
Synonyms
- Legal: Permitted or recognized by law.
- Legitimate: Conforming to the law or to rules; valid.
- Licit: Not forbidden by law; permissible.
- Authorized: Having official permission or approval.
Antonyms
- Illegal: Contrary to or forbidden by law.
- Illicit: Forbidden by law, rules, or custom.
- Unlawful: Not conforming to, permitted by, or recognized by law.
Related Phrases and Idioms
"Lawful good": A term from role-playing games and ethical frameworks describing a character or alignment that combines a commitment to law with a commitment to moral good.
- In the game, paladins are often characters of lawful good alignment.
"Within one's lawful rights": Acting in a way that is legally permissible.
- The homeowner was within his lawful rights to refuse entry.
Adjective
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authorized, sanctioned by, or in accordance with law
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a legitimate government
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having a legally established claim
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the legitimate heir
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the true and lawful king
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according to custom or rule or natural law
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conformable to or allowed by law
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lawful methods of dissent
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