Adverbs of Legality and Morality · Adverbs: Manner Humans

in a way that breaks or goes against the law

"He illegally parked his car."

"He illegally parked his car in a handicapped zone and received a very expensive ticket from the police officer."

in a way that is permitted by legal rules or authority

"He acted lawfully."

"The police officer acted lawfully when he arrested the suspect and he followed all of the proper procedures during the arrest."

in a way that opposes the law

"He entered unlawfully."

"The security guard unlawfully searched the customer's bag without permission and the store was sued for violating the customer's rights."

in a way that involves creating or approving laws by an official lawmaking group

"The issue was resolved legislatively."

"The issue was resolved legislatively when the parliament passed a new law that addressed the concerns of all parties involved."

in a manner relating to courts, judges, or the administration of justice

"The case was handled judicially."

"The case was handled judicially by an impartial judge who listened carefully to both sides before making a fair and reasonable decision."

in a way that can be shown to be right or reasonable

"He was justifiably angry."

"The employee was justifiably angry when he was passed over for a promotion that he had worked very hard to earn."

in a way that reaches a minimum or tolerable level

"The work was acceptably done."

"The quality of the work was acceptably good for a beginner but the experienced manager knew that the employee could do much better."

in a way that does not meet the required standard or level of approval

"He behaved unacceptably."

"The customer service representative behaved unacceptably when she yelled at the customer and the manager fired her immediately for her rude behavior."

in a way that is supported by sound reasoning or evidence

"She argued validly."

"The scholar validly argued that the ancient text had been misinterpreted for centuries and she provided compelling evidence to support her claim."

in a manner that is morally right or good

"He acted ethically."

"The doctor acted ethically when she refused to perform the unnecessary surgery and she explained to the patient why it was not needed."

in a way that someone has a valid claim to something

"He claimed the throne rightfully."

"The heir rightfully claimed the throne after the king's death and the people celebrated the peaceful transition of power."

in a manner that is earned through one's actions or qualities

"She won deservedly."

"The actress deservedly won the award for best performance and she gave a moving speech thanking her family and her dedicated fans."

in accordance with ethical standards or virtue

"He spoke righteously."

"The activist righteously protested against the unjust law and her passionate speeches inspired many people to join the movement for change."

in a way that treats everyone justly and without favoritism

"The resources were shared equitably."

"The teacher equitably divided the students into groups so that each team had a mix of strong and weak members."

in an honest and morally correct way

"He lived uprightly."

"The honest businessman lived uprightly and he never cheated his customers or took advantage of their trust in him."

in a manner that is unjust or unfair

"He was wrongfully accused."

"The innocent man was wrongfully accused of the crime and he spent five years in prison before the real criminal was caught."

in a way that lacks justice or equality

"He was treated unfairly."

"The referee unfairly penalized the home team and the fans booed loudly because they believed that the call was completely wrong."

in an unfair or immoral manner

"He was punished unjustly."

"The king unjustly punished the servant for a crime that he did not commit and the people lost respect for their cruel ruler."

in a way that lacks sincerity or genuine feeling

"He was falsely accused."

"The witness falsely testified against the defendant and her lies sent an innocent man to prison for a crime he did not commit."

in a way that lacks honesty, fairness, or integrity

"He acted dishonorably."

"The soldier was dishonorably discharged from the army after he was caught stealing supplies and selling them for his own profit."

in a manner that is disgraceful or morally wrong

"He behaved shamefully."

"The politician shamefully lied to the public about his involvement in the scandal and he resigned in disgrace when the truth was revealed."

in a manner that goes against what is usual, expected, or appropriate

"He acted perversely."

"The child perversely enjoyed breaking the rules and he seemed to take pleasure in annoying his teachers and his parents."

without any valid cause, justification, or necessity

"He insulted her gratuitously."

"The villain gratuitously insulted the hero before the final battle and his cruel words only made the hero more determined to win."

in a way that is allowed by the law or in accordance with legal rules

"You are legally required to pay taxes."

"You are legally required to pay taxes on all income that you earn from your job or business."

in a way that is justifiable, reasonable, or supported by good reasons

"He legitimately won the election."

"He legitimately won the election because he received more votes than any other candidate and no fraud was found."

without any intention of breaking the law or causing trouble

"The child played innocently."

"He innocently accepted the gift, unaware of the ulterior motives behind the gesture."

in a way that follows accepted rules of behavior or standards of goodness

"She acted morally."

"The judge ruled morally, upholding the principles of justice and fairness in her decision."