ilegalmente in 30 Seconds
- Describes actions against the law.
- Means 'unlawfully' or 'against the rules'.
- Used to indicate a legal violation.
- Adverb modifying verbs.
The Portuguese adverb "ilegalmente" translates directly to "illegally" in English. It describes an action or situation that is against the law, forbidden by legal statutes, or conducted in a manner that violates established rules and regulations. This word is used to indicate that something is not permitted by the legal system of a country or region. It carries a strong negative connotation, implying wrongdoing, transgression, or a breach of order. You'll often encounter "ilegalmente" in contexts related to crime, law enforcement, judicial proceedings, and discussions about compliance or non-compliance with legal frameworks. It can apply to a wide range of activities, from minor infractions to serious offenses. For instance, operating a business without the proper licenses, possessing prohibited substances, or entering a country without authorization are all actions that can be described as being done "ilegalmente".
- Usage Scenarios
- Describing criminal activities: "O contrabando foi feito ilegalmente." (The smuggling was done illegally.)
- Discussing unauthorized actions: "A construção avançou ilegalmente, sem as permissões necessárias." (The construction proceeded illegally, without the necessary permits.)
- Referring to violations of regulations: "Eles estavam a operar ilegalmente no mercado financeiro." (They were operating illegally in the financial market.)
- In legal contexts: "A polícia desmantelou uma rede que vendia produtos ilegalmente." (The police dismantled a network that was selling products illegally.)
A empresa foi multada por operar ilegalmente em território estrangeiro.
Consider the opposite: if something is done according to the law, it is done "legalmente". This contrast helps to solidify the meaning of "ilegalmente". The word is derived from "ilegal" (illegal), which is an adjective. The adverbial form "ilegalmente" modifies verbs, indicating how an action was performed. It is a crucial term for understanding news reports, legal documents, and any discussion that touches upon societal rules and their enforcement.
Using "ilegalmente" correctly involves placing it in a sentence to modify a verb, describing the manner in which an action was performed. It typically follows the verb it modifies or appears at the end of a clause for emphasis. Its placement is flexible but should always clearly link to the action being described as against the law. Remember that "ilegalmente" is an adverb, so it describes verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, but most commonly, it modifies verbs.
- Sentence Structures
- Subject + Verb + ilegalmente: "Os documentos foram falsificados ilegalmente." (The documents were forged illegally.)
- Subject + ilegalmente + Verb: "Ele agiu ilegalmente ao roubar as informações." (He acted illegally by stealing the information.)
- Subject + Verb + Object + ilegalmente: "O tráfico de animais selvagens ocorreu ilegalmente." (The trafficking of wild animals occurred illegally.)
O país decidiu proibir a importação de certos produtos que eram comercializados ilegalmente.
When constructing sentences, consider the verb you are modifying. For example, if the verb is "transportar" (to transport), you can say "transportaram ilegalmente" (they transported illegally). If the verb is "utilizar" (to use), you might say "utilizado ilegalmente" (used illegally). The adverb "ilegalmente" adds a crucial layer of information, specifying the illicit nature of the action. It's important to ensure that the sentence clearly conveys what action is being performed illegally. For instance, instead of just saying "Ele estava ilegalmente," you would need to specify what he was doing illegally: "Ele estava a construir a casa ilegalmente." (He was building the house illegally.)
The adverb "ilegalmente" is a term frequently encountered in formal and semi-formal contexts, particularly when discussing matters of law, order, and public safety. You will most commonly hear or read this word in news reports, especially those covering crime, investigations, court cases, and governmental policies related to regulation and enforcement. Legal professionals, such as lawyers and judges, use it in court proceedings and legal documents to describe actions that contravene established laws. Government officials and law enforcement officers will use it when discussing arrests, confiscations, and penalties for violations. Discussions about international relations, trade agreements, and border control also frequently employ this term to refer to activities that cross legal boundaries. For example, a news anchor might report that "A mercadoria foi apreendida porque foi importada ilegalmente." (The merchandise was seized because it was imported illegally.)
- Common Places
- News Broadcasts: Reporting on drug busts, financial fraud, or environmental violations.
- Courtroom Dramas and Legal Documentaries: Describing evidence of illegal actions.
- Government Speeches and Policy Announcements: Discussing measures to combat crime or regulate industries.
- Discussions about immigration and border security: Referring to unauthorized entry or work.
A investigação policial revelou que os fundos foram desviados ilegalmente da conta da empresa.
In educational settings, you might encounter "ilegalmente" in lessons about civics, law, or social studies, where discussions about rules, rights, and responsibilities are common. Even in everyday conversations among friends or family, if the topic turns to a news story about a crime or a violation, someone might use "ilegalmente" to describe the act. For instance, "Ouvi dizer que eles construíram aquela casa ilegalmente." (I heard they built that house illegally.) The word is fundamental for expressing disapproval or condemnation of actions that transgress legal boundaries.
When learning Portuguese, learners might make a few common mistakes when using "ilegalmente." One frequent error is confusing it with its adjective form, "ilegal." While "ilegal" describes a noun (e.g., "um ato ilegal" - an illegal act), "ilegalmente" modifies a verb, adverb, or adjective. For example, saying "O ato foi ilegalmente" is incorrect; it should be "O ato foi ilegal." Similarly, learners might sometimes omit the adverb altogether when the context clearly implies illegality, but using "ilegalmente" adds precision and emphasis. Another potential pitfall is misplacing the adverb in a sentence. Although adverbs in Portuguese can be quite flexible, incorrect placement can sometimes lead to awkward phrasing or ambiguity about which word is being modified.
- Mistake Examples
- Incorrect: "Eles conduziram o carro ilegal." (They drove the car illegal.)
Correct: "Eles conduziram o carro ilegalmente." (They drove the car illegally.) OR "O carro era ilegal." (The car was illegal.) - Incorrect: "O negócio funcionava ilegalmente sem licença." (The business operated illegally without a license - this is grammatically okay but can be improved for clarity)
Correct: "O negócio funcionava ilegalmente, sem licença." (The business operated illegally, without a license.) - Incorrect: "A entrada foi feita ilegalmente sem visto." (The entry was made illegally without a visa - this is grammatically okay, but context could be clearer)
Correct: "A entrada no país foi realizada ilegalmente, sem visto." (The entry into the country was carried out illegally, without a visa.)
Um erro comum é usar 'ilegalmente' para descrever um objeto em vez de uma ação. Por exemplo, dizer 'O objeto foi ilegalmente' está incorreto; deveria ser 'O objeto foi ilegal'.
Another point of confusion can arise from the pronunciation or spelling, especially for non-native speakers. Ensuring the correct spelling with the double 'l' and the '-mente' ending is important. When in doubt, always consider whether you are describing *how* an action was performed (adverb: "ilegalmente") or describing a noun itself (adjective: "ilegal").
While "ilegalmente" is the most direct and common adverb for "illegally," there are other ways to express the concept of unlawfulness or transgression in Portuguese, depending on the nuance and formality required. Some alternatives carry slightly different connotations or are used in more specific contexts.
- Alternatives and Comparisons
- Proibido (Forbidden): While "proibido" is an adjective (forbidden), the concept is closely related. You might say "O ato foi proibido" (The act was forbidden), implying it was illegal. In some informal contexts, you could imply an adverbial sense, though "ilegalmente" is more precise.
- Contra a lei (Against the law): This is a common phrase that functions adverbially. For example, "Ele agiu contra a lei" (He acted against the law). This is a good alternative when you want to be very explicit about the legal violation.
- Ilicitamente (Illicitly): This is a more formal and less common synonym for "ilegalmente." It often appears in legal or academic texts and refers to something that is forbidden by moral principles or law. Example: "O comércio ilicitamente realizado causou prejuízos." (The illicitly conducted trade caused losses.)
- Sem autorização (Without authorization): This phrase indicates that an action was performed without the necessary permission, which often implies illegality. Example: "A construção foi feita sem autorização." (The construction was done without authorization.)
- Irregularmente (Irregularly): This adverb can sometimes overlap with "ilegalmente," but it often implies a violation of rules or procedures rather than a direct breach of law. Something done "irregularmente" might be technically legal but improperly executed. Example: "Os procedimentos foram seguidos irregularmente." (The procedures were followed irregularly.)
Em vez de dizer 'Ele violou a lei e agiu ilegalmente', pode-se dizer 'Ele agiu contra a lei'.
When choosing between these options, consider the specific context. "Ilegalmente" is the most straightforward and widely understood term. "Contra a lei" is a strong, clear alternative. "Ilicitamente" is more formal. "Sem autorização" focuses on the lack of permission, and "irregularmente" suggests a procedural flaw. Understanding these nuances will help you express yourself more precisely in Portuguese.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The '-mente' suffix in Portuguese adverbs is equivalent to the '-ly' suffix in English adverbs. It's a productive way to form adverbs from adjectives, similar to how 'legal' becomes 'legalmente' and 'illegal' becomes 'ilegalmente'.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing the final 'e' as a distinct sound like in English 'the'. In Portuguese, it's often reduced or sounds like 'ee'.
- Incorrectly stressing a different syllable, which can change the word's perception.
- Pronouncing the 'g' as in 'go' instead of the softer 'g' sound before 'a' which is closer to the 'g' in 'gem' when followed by 'e' or 'i'.
Difficulty Rating
CEFR A2 level. The meaning is straightforward, and it's a common adverb used in news and everyday contexts when discussing rule-breaking.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Adverb placement in Portuguese.
Adverbs like 'ilegalmente' can often follow the verb they modify: 'Ele dirigiu ilegalmente.' (He drove illegally.) or appear at the beginning for emphasis: 'Ilegalmente, ele fugiu da cena.' (Illegally, he fled the scene.)
Formation of adverbs with '-mente'.
Most Portuguese adverbs are formed by adding '-mente' to the feminine form of the adjective. 'Ilegal' (masculine/feminine adjective) becomes 'ilegalmente' (adverb).
Use of gerunds with adverbs.
When describing an ongoing action that is illegal: 'Eles estavam a vender produtos ilegalmente.' (They were selling products illegally.)
Passive voice constructions.
The adverb modifies the past participle in passive voice: 'Os bens foram apreendidos ilegalmente.' (The goods were seized illegally.)
Distinction between adjectives and adverbs.
'O carro era ilegal.' (The car was illegal - adjective modifying 'carro') vs. 'Ele dirigiu ilegalmente.' (He drove illegally - adverb modifying 'dirigiu').
Examples by Level
O gato entrou ilegalmente.
The cat entered illegally.
Simple past tense verb modified by the adverb 'ilegalmente'.
Não pode estacionar aqui ilegalmente.
You cannot park here illegally.
'Pode' (can) + 'estacionar' (to park) + 'ilegalmente'.
Ele comprou o bilhete ilegalmente.
He bought the ticket illegally.
Verb 'comprou' (bought) modified by 'ilegalmente'.
A música foi baixada ilegalmente.
The music was downloaded illegally.
Passive voice construction with 'foi baixada' (was downloaded) + 'ilegalmente'.
Ela vendeu o produto ilegalmente.
She sold the product illegally.
Verb 'vendeu' (sold) modified by 'ilegalmente'.
O acesso foi concedido ilegalmente.
Access was granted illegally.
Passive voice 'foi concedido' (was granted) + 'ilegalmente'.
Eles entraram na casa ilegalmente.
They entered the house illegally.
Verb 'entraram' (entered) modified by 'ilegalmente'.
O jogo foi jogado ilegalmente.
The game was played illegally.
Passive voice 'foi jogado' (was played) + 'ilegalmente'.
A polícia prendeu os suspeitos que operavam ilegalmente.
The police arrested the suspects who were operating illegally.
Relative clause 'que operavam ilegalmente' modifies 'suspeitos'.
É proibido construir edifícios ilegalmente.
It is forbidden to build buildings illegally.
Infinitive verb 'construir' modified by 'ilegalmente' within a prohibitory statement.
O transporte de mercadorias foi realizado ilegalmente.
The transport of goods was carried out illegally.
Passive voice 'foi realizado' (was carried out) + 'ilegalmente'.
Eles estavam a vender cópias ilegais do software.
They were selling illegal copies of the software.
Adjective 'ilegais' modifying 'cópias', describing the nature of the copies.
O uso de drones nesta área é estritamente ilegalmente.
The use of drones in this area is strictly illegally.
Adverb 'estritamente' modifies 'ilegalmente', emphasizing the illegality.
Os documentos foram falsificados ilegalmente.
The documents were forged illegally.
Passive voice 'foram falsificados' (were forged) + 'ilegalmente'.
A empresa foi multada por operar ilegalmente.
The company was fined for operating illegally.
Gerund 'operar' in a prepositional phrase 'por operar ilegalmente'.
O contrabando de animais selvagens é ilegalmente punível.
The smuggling of wild animals is illegally punishable.
Adverb 'ilegalmente' modifying the adjective 'punível' (punishable).
As autoridades descobriram que a organização estava a lavar dinheiro ilegalmente.
The authorities discovered that the organization was laundering money illegally.
'Estava a lavar' (was laundering) is modified by 'ilegalmente'.
O terreno foi ocupado ilegalmente por sem-abrigo.
The land was illegally occupied by homeless people.
Passive voice 'foi ocupado' (was occupied) + 'ilegalmente'.
O governo está a investigar a venda ilegalmente de armas.
The government is investigating the illegal selling of weapons.
Adjective 'ilegal' modifies 'venda' (selling), implying the action was illegal.
A entrada no país sem visto é considerada ilegalmente.
Entering the country without a visa is considered illegally.
'Considerada' (considered) is modified by 'ilegalmente' in this context, though 'ilegal' would be more common describing the act itself.
Ele foi acusado de transportar substâncias proibidas ilegalmente.
He was accused of illegally transporting prohibited substances.
Gerund 'transportar' modified by 'ilegalmente'.
A construção da barragem ocorreu ilegalmente, sem consulta pública.
The construction of the dam occurred illegally, without public consultation.
Verb 'ocorreu' (occurred) modified by 'ilegalmente'.
As autoridades apreenderam os bens que foram adquiridos ilegalmente.
The authorities seized the assets that were acquired illegally.
Passive voice 'foram adquiridos' (were acquired) + 'ilegalmente'.
O acesso não autorizado a dados confidenciais foi realizado ilegalmente.
Unauthorized access to confidential data was carried out illegally.
Passive voice 'foi realizado' (was carried out) + 'ilegalmente'.
A investigação revelou que a empresa estava a desviar fundos ilegalmente.
The investigation revealed that the company was illegally diverting funds.
'Estava a desviar' (was diverting) is modified by 'ilegalmente'.
O tráfico de órgãos humanos é uma atividade que ocorre ilegalmente em várias partes do mundo.
The trafficking of human organs is an activity that occurs illegally in various parts of the world.
Verb 'ocorre' (occurs) modified by 'ilegalmente'.
A exploração de recursos naturais sem licença é considerada ilegalmente.
The exploitation of natural resources without a license is considered illegally.
'Considerada' (considered) is modified by 'ilegalmente' (though 'ilegal' describing the exploitation would be more common).
Os migrantes foram detidos por tentar entrar no país ilegalmente.
The migrants were detained for attempting to enter the country illegally.
Gerund 'entrar' in a prepositional phrase 'por tentar entrar ilegalmente'.
A disseminação de notícias falsas pela internet é uma prática que pode ser classificada como ilegalmente.
The dissemination of fake news online is a practice that can be classified as illegally.
'Classificada' (classified) is modified by 'ilegalmente'.
O uso de trabalho infantil em fábricas clandestinas é uma violação ilegalmente grave.
The use of child labor in clandestine factories is a seriously illegal violation.
Adverb 'gravemente' modifies 'ilegal', and 'ilegalmente' modifies the verb implied in the context of violation.
As autoridades desmantelaram uma rede que vendia produtos roubados ilegalmente.
The authorities dismantled a network that was illegally selling stolen goods.
'Vendia' (was selling) is modified by 'ilegalmente'.
A construção de edifícios sem alvará é ilegalmente sancionada.
The construction of buildings without a permit is illegally sanctioned.
'Sancionada' (sanctioned) is modified by 'ilegalmente'.
A evasão fiscal, quando praticada sistematicamente, constitui um crime que é punido ilegalmente.
Tax evasion, when practiced systematically, constitutes a crime that is illegally punished.
'Puniado' (punished) is modified by 'ilegalmente'.
A exploração de dados pessoais sem consentimento explícito é uma prática que viola a legislação de proteção de dados, sendo considerada ilegalmente.
The exploitation of personal data without explicit consent is a practice that violates data protection legislation, being considered illegally.
'Considerada' (considered) is modified by 'ilegalmente'.
O descarte inadequado de resíduos tóxicos no ambiente é uma ação que acarreta severas penalidades, pois é realizado ilegalmente.
The improper disposal of toxic waste into the environment is an action that carries severe penalties, as it is carried out illegally.
'Realizado' (carried out) is modified by 'ilegalmente'.
A manipulação do mercado financeiro para obter lucros indevidos é uma conduta que é combatida vigorosamente pelas autoridades reguladoras, pois configura um ato ilegalmente ilícito.
The manipulation of the financial market to obtain undue profits is conduct that is vigorously combatted by regulatory authorities, as it constitutes an illegally illicit act.
'Ilícito' (illicit) is modified by 'ilegalmente'.
O tráfico de influências, quando comprovado, é um crime que resulta em sanções severas, sendo a ação perpetrada ilegalmente.
Influence peddling, when proven, is a crime that results in severe sanctions, the action being illegally perpetrated.
'Perpetrada' (perpetrated) is modified by 'ilegalmente'.
A falsificação de documentos para obter vantagens é uma prática que é reprimida legalmente, mas que infelizmente ainda ocorre ilegalmente.
The forgery of documents to obtain advantages is a practice that is legally repressed, but which unfortunately still occurs illegally.
'Ocorre' (occurs) is modified by 'ilegalmente'.
A apropriação indébita de bens públicos por funcionários corruptos é um ato que é investigado e punido ilegalmente.
The embezzlement of public assets by corrupt officials is an act that is illegally investigated and punished.
'Investigado' and 'punido' (investigated and punished) are modified by 'ilegalmente'.
A pirataria de software em larga escala é uma atividade que prejudica a indústria tecnológica e é frequentemente combatida ilegalmente pelas autoridades.
Large-scale software piracy is an activity that harms the technology industry and is frequently illegally combatted by authorities.
'Combatida' (combatted) is modified by 'ilegalmente'.
A extraterritorialidade da lei penal permite que certos crimes cometidos ilegalmente no estrangeiro sejam julgados no país de origem.
The extraterritoriality of criminal law allows certain crimes committed illegally abroad to be tried in the country of origin.
'Cometidos' (committed) is modified by 'ilegalmente'.
A proliferação de armas de fogo de uso restrito, obtidas ilegalmente, representa um desafio constante para a segurança pública.
The proliferation of restricted firearms, obtained illegally, represents a constant challenge for public safety.
'Obtidas' (obtained) is modified by 'ilegalmente'.
A dificuldade em rastrear transações financeiras que ocorrem ilegalmente dificulta a atuação das agências de combate à lavagem de dinheiro.
The difficulty in tracing financial transactions that occur illegally hinders the actions of anti-money laundering agencies.
'Ocorrem' (occur) is modified by 'ilegalmente'.
O uso de inteligência artificial para gerar desinformação em massa é uma ameaça que requer regulamentação, pois pode ser empregada ilegalmente.
The use of artificial intelligence to generate mass disinformation is a threat that requires regulation, as it can be employed illegally.
'Empregada' (employed) is modified by 'ilegalmente'.
A sonegação de impostos, ao privar o Estado de recursos essenciais, é uma prática que é penalizada severamente quando descoberta, por ser realizada ilegalmente.
Tax evasion, by depriving the State of essential resources, is a practice that is severely penalized when discovered, for being carried out illegally.
'Realizada' (carried out) is modified by 'ilegalmente'.
A interceptação de comunicações privadas sem mandado judicial constitui uma violação da privacidade e é, portanto, ilegalmente proscrita.
The interception of private communications without a court order constitutes a violation of privacy and is, therefore, illegally proscribed.
'Proscrita' (proscribed) is modified by 'ilegalmente'.
O desenvolvimento de armas biológicas em laboratórios não autorizados representa um perigo global, sendo essa atividade ilegalmente perigosa.
The development of biological weapons in unauthorized laboratories represents a global danger, this activity being illegally dangerous.
'Perigosa' (dangerous) is modified by 'ilegalmente'.
A infração de direitos de autor através da distribuição não autorizada de conteúdo digital é uma prática que, embora prevalente, é ilegalmente combatida pela indústria criativa.
Copyright infringement through unauthorized distribution of digital content is a practice that, although prevalent, is illegally combatted by the creative industry.
'Combatida' (combatted) is modified by 'ilegalmente'.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— To do something unlawfully. This is a very common construction to describe any illegal action.
Eles decidiram fazer o negócio ilegalmente para evitar impostos.
— To operate in a way that is against the law, often used for businesses or organizations.
A organização criminosa operava ilegalmente há anos.
— To enter a place or country without authorization or permission.
Muitas pessoas tentam entrar ilegalmente em busca de uma vida melhor.
— To trade or sell goods or services in a way that is against the law.
O comércio de animais exóticos é frequentemente realizado ilegalmente.
— To be caught doing something unlawfully. This highlights the consequence of illegal actions.
Ele foi pego a transportar drogas ilegalmente.
— Accused of acting unlawfully. This is used in legal contexts.
O político foi acusado de agir ilegalmente para obter poder.
— To sell something in a way that violates the law, such as selling counterfeit goods or without a license.
Eles foram presos por vender produtos falsificados ilegalmente.
— To move goods or people across borders or within a country in violation of the law.
O contrabando de armas é transportado ilegalmente.
— To build structures without the necessary permits or in violation of zoning laws.
A nova casa foi construída ilegalmente no terreno adjacente.
— To use something for a purpose or in a manner that is against the law or unauthorized.
O acesso a esta informação foi obtido e utilizado ilegalmente.
Often Confused With
'Ilegal' is an adjective that describes a noun (e.g., 'um ato ilegal' - an illegal act). 'Ilegalmente' is an adverb that describes a verb, adjective, or another adverb (e.g., 'agiu ilegalmente' - acted illegally).
'Legalmente' is the direct antonym of 'ilegalmente'. It means 'lawfully' or 'legally', indicating an action that conforms to the law.
'Licitamente' is a synonym for 'legalmente' and is often used in more formal or legal contexts. It means 'lawfully' or 'rightfully'.
Easily Confused
Both 'ilegal' and 'ilegalmente' relate to being against the law. Learners might interchange them.
'Ilegal' is an adjective used to describe a noun (e.g., 'um negócio ilegal' - an illegal business). 'Ilegalmente' is an adverb used to describe how an action is performed (e.g., 'operar ilegalmente' - to operate illegally).
O produto é ilegal. (The product is illegal - adjective). Eles venderam o produto ilegalmente. (They sold the product illegally - adverb).
It's the direct opposite, and the similarity in structure can lead to confusion.
'Ilegalmente' means against the law, while 'legalmente' means according to the law. They are antonyms.
Ele entrou ilegalmente. (He entered illegally). Ele entrou legalmente. (He entered legally).
Similar meaning to 'legalmente' and often used in formal contexts, making it seem interchangeable with 'ilegalmente' in terms of register.
'Ilicitamente' (the adverbial form of illicit) is a synonym for 'ilegalmente', meaning 'illicitly' or 'unlawfully'. 'Licitamente' is its antonym, meaning 'lawfully'.
O roubo ocorreu ilicitamente. (The theft occurred illicitly). O roubo ocorreu licitamente. (The theft occurred lawfully - this sentence would be contradictory).
Both suggest a deviation from a standard or rule.
'Ilegalmente' specifically refers to breaking the law. 'Irregularmente' means irregularly or improperly, which might be a violation of rules or procedures but not necessarily against the law. An action can be irregular without being illegal, but an illegal action is often irregular.
O documento foi preenchido irregularmente. (The document was filled out irregularly - maybe some fields were missed). O documento foi falsificado ilegalmente. (The document was forged illegally - a direct crime).
Both imply secrecy and often involve breaking rules.
'Clandestinamente' means secretly or hiddenly, often implying illegal activity but focusing on the secrecy. 'Ilegalmente' focuses directly on the violation of law. An action can be done clandestinely without being illegal, or illegally without being particularly secret.
Eles reuniram-se clandestinamente. (They met secretly - purpose unknown). Eles venderam drogas clandestinamente. (They sold drugs secretly - implying illegally).
Sentence Patterns
Subject + Verb + ilegalmente.
Eu comprei ilegalmente.
Não + Verb + ilegalmente.
Não estacione ilegalmente.
Subject + Ser + (gerund/infinitive) + ilegalmente.
O jogo foi jogado ilegalmente.
Ser + proibido + (infinitive) + ilegalmente.
É proibido entrar ilegalmente.
Subject + Estar a + Verb + ilegalmente.
Eles estavam a vender ilegalmente.
Por + Verb (infinitive) + ilegalmente.
Foi multado por dirigir ilegalmente.
Subject + Descobrir que + Subject + Estar a + Verb + ilegalmente.
Descobriram que ele estava a operar ilegalmente.
Subject + Verbo + que + é/foi + modificado por 'ilegalmente'.
A prática é considerada ilegalmente prejudicial.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
High
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Using 'ilegalmente' as an adjective.
→
Using 'ilegal' as an adjective.
Learners might say 'O ato foi ilegalmente' when they mean 'O ato foi ilegal.' 'Ilegal' describes a noun, while 'ilegalmente' describes a verb.
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Confusing with 'legalmente'.
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Using 'legalmente' for lawful actions and 'ilegalmente' for unlawful actions.
'Legalmente' means lawfully, the opposite of 'ilegalmente'. Learners might mix these up when discussing rule-following vs. rule-breaking.
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Incorrect placement of the adverb.
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Placing 'ilegalmente' after the verb or at the end of the clause.
While flexible, placing 'ilegalmente' incorrectly can make the sentence awkward or ambiguous. For example, 'Ilegalmente ele roubou' is less common than 'Ele roubou ilegalmente.'
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Using 'ilegalmente' to describe a noun directly.
→
Using the adjective 'ilegal' to describe a noun.
You cannot say 'um carro ilegalmente'. It should be 'um carro ilegal' (an illegal car). 'Ilegalmente' modifies verbs, not nouns.
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Overuse or underuse.
→
Using 'ilegalmente' when precision is needed to indicate a legal violation.
Sometimes the context makes illegality obvious, but using 'ilegalmente' adds clarity and emphasis. Conversely, overusing it when 'irregularmente' or 'sem permissão' might suffice can sound overly dramatic.
Tips
Mastering the Sound
Pay close attention to the stress on the second-to-last syllable: i-le-gal-MEN-te. The 'e' at the end is often pronounced like a short 'ee' sound, not a full 'eh'.
Adverb Placement
While flexible, 'ilegalmente' most commonly follows the verb it modifies. For example: 'Ele dirigiu ilegalmente.' (He drove illegally.) Placing it at the beginning can add emphasis: 'Ilegalmente, ele fugiu.'
Distinguish from 'Ilegal'
Remember that 'ilegal' is an adjective describing a thing or person (e.g., 'tráfico ilegal'), while 'ilegalmente' is an adverb describing an action (e.g., 'traficar ilegalmente').
News and Legal Settings
You'll hear 'ilegalmente' frequently in news reports about crime, law enforcement actions, and court cases. It signals a direct violation of the law.
Opposite Meanings
The direct opposite is 'legalmente' (lawfully). Knowing the antonym helps reinforce the meaning of 'ilegalmente'.
Visual Anchors
Associate 'ilegalmente' with images of a red 'X', a judge's gavel, or a police siren to create a strong visual link to the concept of illegality.
When to Use It
Use 'ilegalmente' whenever you want to specify that an action was performed in a manner contrary to the law.
Alternatives to Consider
'Contra a lei' (against the law) and 'ilicitamente' (illicitly, more formal) are good alternatives to be aware of.
Mindful Language
While 'ilegalmente' is accurate for describing actions, be mindful of using it to describe people. Terms like 'sem autorização legal' might be preferred in some contexts to avoid dehumanization.
Active Recall
Create sentences using 'ilegalmente' in different scenarios to solidify your understanding and active recall of the word.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a judge with a gavel, striking down a law book. The sound of the gavel is 'legal!', but when the judge says 'No!', it sounds like 'i-legal!'. And when they do it with force, they do it 'ilegalmente!'
Visual Association
Picture a red 'X' superimposed over a police siren or a judge's gavel. The 'X' signifies 'wrong' or 'forbidden', and the siren/gavel represents the legal context. The 'i' at the beginning of 'ilegalmente' can be thought of as a small 'i' for 'illegal' or 'invalid'.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to use 'ilegalmente' in three different sentences describing hypothetical scenarios where someone breaks a rule or law. For example, 'The student copied the answers illegally during the exam.' or 'The company dumped waste illegally into the river.'
Word Origin
The word 'ilegalmente' originates from the Latin word 'illegalis', meaning 'not according to law'. This Latin term is formed by the prefix 'in-' (meaning 'not') combined with 'legalis' (meaning 'legal', derived from 'lex', meaning 'law'). The Portuguese suffix '-mente' is added to the adjective 'ilegal' to form the adverb.
Original meaning: Not according to law.
Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance > PortugueseCultural Context
The term 'ilegalmente' should be used carefully, especially when referring to people. For instance, instead of saying 'ilegal immigrants', it is often preferred to say 'immigrants without legal status' or 'undocumented immigrants' to avoid dehumanizing language, although 'ilegalmente' is still used to describe the act of entering or residing without authorization.
In English-speaking countries, the concept of 'illegally' is directly equivalent. The legal frameworks might differ in specifics, but the core meaning of acting contrary to law remains the same. News coverage of crime, legal proceedings, and regulatory issues in English-speaking media would use 'illegally' in analogous situations.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
News reporting on crime and law enforcement.
- A polícia desmantelou...
- Fui informado que...
- A mercadoria foi apreendida...
- Operavam ilegalmente.
Legal proceedings and discussions.
- O acusado agiu...
- Os documentos foram falsificados...
- É proibido...
- Cometido ilegalmente.
Discussions about immigration and border control.
- Entraram ilegalmente...
- Sem visto...
- Detidos por...
- Transportar ilegalmente.
Business and financial news.
- A empresa operava...
- Desvio de fundos...
- Comércio ilegal...
- Lavagem de dinheiro.
Everyday conversations about rule-breaking.
- Não podes fazer isso...
- Isso é contra a lei.
- Foi pego a...
- Construiu ilegalmente.
Conversation Starters
"Have you heard about any recent news where something was done 'ilegalmente'?"
"What are some common ways people might break rules 'ilegalmente' in your country?"
"If you saw someone doing something 'ilegalmente', what would you do?"
"Can you think of a situation where an action might seem 'ilegalmente' done but is actually permitted?"
"How important is it for businesses to operate 'legalmente' rather than 'ilegalmente'?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a hypothetical scenario where a character has to choose between acting 'ilegalmente' for a good cause or acting 'legalmente' and facing negative consequences.
Write about a time you witnessed or heard about someone doing something 'ilegalmente'. What was the situation and the outcome?
Reflect on the importance of laws and regulations in society. How does the concept of 'ilegalmente' help maintain order?
Imagine you are a lawyer defending someone accused of acting 'ilegalmente'. What would be your defense strategy?
Consider the ethical implications of actions performed 'ilegalmente'. When, if ever, is it justifiable?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions'Ilegal' is an adjective, meaning 'illegal'. It describes a noun. For example, 'É um ato ilegal' (It is an illegal act). 'Ilegalmente' is an adverb, meaning 'illegally'. It describes how an action is performed. For example, 'Ele agiu ilegalmente' (He acted illegally). Think of it like 'illegal' (adjective) vs. 'illegally' (adverb) in English.
Yes, 'ilegalmente' can be placed at the beginning of a sentence for emphasis, although it's more common to find it after the verb or at the end of the clause. For example: 'Ilegalmente, ele roubou o dinheiro da empresa.' (Illegally, he stole the company's money.)
You'll frequently hear 'ilegalmente' in news reports about crime, financial misconduct, drug trafficking, immigration violations, and environmental offenses. It's also used in legal contexts and discussions about regulations.
'Ilegalmente' is generally a neutral term. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts. In very formal or legal writing, 'ilicitamente' might be preferred, but 'ilegalmente' is widely understood and appropriate for most situations.
The direct opposite of 'ilegalmente' is 'legalmente', which means 'lawfully' or 'legally'. Another synonym for the opposite is 'licitamente', which also means 'lawfully' and is often used in formal contexts.
While less common, 'ilegalmente' can sometimes modify an adjective to emphasize the degree of illegality. For instance, 'A violação foi considerada ilegalmente grave.' (The violation was considered illegally grave.) However, it's more natural to say 'A violação foi grave e ilegal.' (The violation was grave and illegal.) or 'A violação foi gravemente ilegal.' (The violation was gravely illegal.)
'Proibido' is an adjective meaning 'forbidden'. If something is 'proibido', it is usually also 'ilegal' (illegal). An action done 'ilegalmente' is an action that is 'proibido' (forbidden) by law.
Think of the 'i' at the beginning as meaning 'not'. So, 'i-legal-mente' means 'not legal-ly'. You can also associate it with a red stop sign or a judge's gavel striking down an action.
Yes, 'ilegalmente' is often used to describe the act of entering or residing in a country without legal authorization. For example, 'Entraram ilegalmente no país.' However, be mindful that some prefer more neutral terms like 'sem autorização legal' or 'sem documentos' to avoid potentially stigmatizing language.
A common mistake is confusing it with the adjective 'ilegal' or misplacing it in a sentence. Also, learners might incorrectly use it to describe a noun instead of a verb.
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Summary
The adverb 'ilegalmente' signifies that an action was performed in a way that breaks the law or violates established regulations, carrying a strong implication of wrongdoing and transgression.
- Describes actions against the law.
- Means 'unlawfully' or 'against the rules'.
- Used to indicate a legal violation.
- Adverb modifying verbs.
Mastering the Sound
Pay close attention to the stress on the second-to-last syllable: i-le-gal-MEN-te. The 'e' at the end is often pronounced like a short 'ee' sound, not a full 'eh'.
Adverb Placement
While flexible, 'ilegalmente' most commonly follows the verb it modifies. For example: 'Ele dirigiu ilegalmente.' (He drove illegally.) Placing it at the beginning can add emphasis: 'Ilegalmente, ele fugiu.'
Distinguish from 'Ilegal'
Remember that 'ilegal' is an adjective describing a thing or person (e.g., 'tráfico ilegal'), while 'ilegalmente' is an adverb describing an action (e.g., 'traficar ilegalmente').
News and Legal Settings
You'll hear 'ilegalmente' frequently in news reports about crime, law enforcement actions, and court cases. It signals a direct violation of the law.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More work words
a curto prazo
A2Over a short period of time; short-term.
à exceção de
B1With the exception of; apart from.
a longo prazo
A2Over a long period of time; long-term.
a não ser que
A2Unless; except if; only if not.
a partir de
A2Starting from; from a certain point in time or place.
a prazo
A2For a period of time; on credit or payment terms.
a tempo inteiro
B1Full-time; working the full number of hours considered normal for a job.
a tempo parcial
B1Part-time; working less than full-time hours.
abdicar
A2To give up, to abdicate; to renounce or relinquish a throne, right, power, or claim.
acessível
B1Available, accessible; easy to approach or use.
