ILLGOTTEN Meaning and
Definition
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The term "ill-gotten" refers to something that has been acquired or obtained through dishonest, unethical, or unlawful means. It is an adjective that describes possessions, gains, or accomplishments that are acquired in an illegitimate or morally questionable manner. The word can be broken down into two parts: "ill," which means bad or evil, and "gotten," which means obtained or acquired.
When applied to material possessions or wealth, ill-gotten refers to items or assets that were obtained through fraud, theft, corruption, or any form of dishonesty or deceit. These could include stolen goods, embezzled funds, unlawfully acquired property, or illegally secured profits. The use of "ill-gotten" emphasizes the immorality or unethical nature of the acquisition.
Additionally, the term can extend beyond material possessions to include achievements or positions obtained through dishonest or corrupt means. For instance, if someone obtained a high-ranking position in an organization by manipulating others or engaging in unethical practices, their position could be considered ill-gotten.
In summary, "ill-gotten" refers to possessions, gains, or accomplishments that have been acquired through dishonest, unethical, or unlawful methods. This term highlights the immorality or unethical nature of the acquisition, emphasizing the wrongful means by which it was obtained.
Common Misspellings for ILLGOTTEN
- ullgotten
- jllgotten
- kllgotten
- ollgotten
- 9llgotten
- 8llgotten
- iklgotten
- iplgotten
- iolgotten
- ilkgotten
- ilpgotten
- ilogotten
- illfotten
- illvotten
- illbotten
- illhotten
- illyotten
- illtotten
- illgitten
- illgktten
Etymology of ILLGOTTEN
The word "ill-gotten" is formed from the combination of two separate words: "ill" and "gotten".
"Ill" is derived from the Old English word "yfel", which means "bad" or "wicked". It has roots in Germanic languages. "Gotten" is also originated from Old English, specifically from the word "getan", which means "to obtain" or "to acquire".
The combination of "ill" and "gotten" forms the adjective "ill-gotten", which is used to describe something that has been obtained or acquired through improper or dishonest means. The word has been in use since the Middle English period.
Idioms with the word ILLGOTTEN
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illgotten gains
Ill-gotten gains refers to money or profits that have been acquired through dishonest or immoral means.
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