What Is the Root Word of Illegal? Understanding Its Latin Origin

Discover the root word of 'illegal' and its Latin origins, including the meaning of the prefix and legal base word.

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The root word of illegal comes from the Latin word 'legalis', meaning 'pertaining to the law'. The prefix 'il-' is a variation of 'in-' in Latin, which means 'not'. Therefore, illegal translates to 'not legal' or 'against the law'.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What does the prefix 'il-' in illegal mean? The prefix 'il-' is a variation of the Latin prefix 'in-', meaning 'not', which negates the root word it precedes.
  2. What is the Latin root word of 'illegal'? The Latin root word of 'illegal' is 'legalis', which means 'pertaining to the law'.
  3. How does the word 'illegal' translate from Latin parts? 'Illegal' combines the prefix 'il-' meaning 'not' with 'legalis' meaning 'legal', so it translates to 'not legal' or 'against the law'.