What does licit mean?
Licit means lawful or permitted by law. It is used especially in legal, regulatory, and formal contexts when someone wants to distinguish an authorized activity or purpose from a forbidden one. The adjective can describe a transaction, business, purpose, use, or means of obtaining something. “Licit” carries a technical, somewhat bookish tone, so in ordinary conversation “lawful” or “legal” will often sound more natural. Because the term is precise but relatively uncommon, its presence often signals a legal or institutional setting. Knowing it is especially useful when reading contracts, regulations, compliance material, or reports about alleged misconduct. The opposite, “illicit,” is much more frequent in public discussion, particularly in connection with drugs, crime, and fraud. Still, “licit” remains a useful adjective for expressing that an activity is permitted rather than merely that it seems innocent or acceptable.
adjectiveLawful, permitted, or authorized. In legal and regulatory contexts, it describes an activity, purpose, or arrangement that is allowed by law.
- Lawful, permitted, or authorized; especially in legal, regulatory, and formal contexts.
"The company maintained that the transaction was licit and fully compliant with applicable regulations."
"The investigators found no evidence that the organization was using the account for any licit purpose."
"The distinction between licit business and criminal activity is central to the prosecution's case."
Licit is the word for what the law permits; illicit is the word for what it forbids.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does licit come from?
Licit derives from the Latin adjective licitus, meaning “permitted” or “lawful,” which was formed as the past participle of liceri, “to bid” or “to offer for sale.” It entered English in the early 17th century in legal usage. The same Latin root also underlies licence, license, and licensure.
Related word forms
How licit is actually used
Chiefly formal and legal. In everyday conversation, lawful, legal, or legitimate will usually sound more natural.
Easily confused with licit
Licit means lawful or permitted, whereas illicit means forbidden or unlawful.