Lawful - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Lawful means acting within the boundaries of the law or following legal rules. It describes behavior that is permitted, authorized, or recognized as valid by a governing system.
Definition:
Permitted by law, conforming to legal or moral rules.
Synonyms:
legal, legitimate, licit, permissible
Part of Speech:
adjective
Antonyms:
unlawful, illegal, illicit
Common Collocations:
lawful authority, lawful action, lawful owner, lawful purpose
Derivatives:
lawfully, lawfulness
Usage Tips:
Use "lawful" to describe actions or people complying with the law; avoid confusion with "legal," which often refers to technical legality.
Common Phrases:
lawful wedded wife, by lawful means, in lawful custody
Etymology:
From Old English "lagu" (law) + "-ful" (full of), meaning "full of law."
Examples:
- 1. The judge ruled the contract was lawful and binding.
- 2. She is the lawful heir to her grandfather’s estate.
- 3. Only lawful residents can apply for this benefit.
- 4. The police ensured the protest remained peaceful and lawful.