Understanding Word Substitutes: 'Prohibited by Law'

The question asks us to find a single word that can replace the italicized expression "prohibited by law" in the sentence "As a port it was notorious for its smuggling and the trade was prohibited by law." The expression "prohibited by law" means that something is forbidden or not allowed legally.

Analyzing Word Options for Prohibited by Law

Let's look at the meaning of each provided option:

• licit: This word means permitted by law; lawful. This is the opposite of prohibited by law.
• chaste: This word refers to not having had sexual relations; pure or modest. This meaning is unrelated to being prohibited by law.
• legitimate: This word means conforming to the law or rules; lawful. Like 'licit', this means something is allowed by law, which is the opposite of prohibited by law.
• illicit: This word means forbidden by law, rules, or custom; illegal. This meaning directly matches the expression "prohibited by law".

Identifying the Correct Word Substitute

Comparing the meanings, we see that 'illicit' is the only word that means "forbidden by law" or "illegal". Therefore, it is the correct single-word substitute for "prohibited by law".

The sentence could be rewritten as: "As a port it was notorious for its smuggling and the trade was illicit."

Revision Table: Word Meanings

Additional Information: Legal Vocabulary

Understanding words related to law and legality is important for vocabulary building. Here are a few related terms:

• Legal: Permitted by law.
• Illegal: Forbidden by law; illicit.
• Lawful: Permitted by law; legitimate; licit.
• Unlawful: Not conforming to, permitted by, or recognized by law; illegal; illicit.
• Permissible: Allowed or permitted.
• Forbidden: Not allowed; prohibited.

Notice how 'licit', 'legitimate', and 'lawful' are synonyms for 'legal' or 'permitted by law', while 'illicit', 'illegal', and 'unlawful' are synonyms for 'forbidden by law' or 'prohibited by law'.