Sound-alike words
Elicit vs. Illicit
Elicit is a verb meaning to draw out a response, answer or reaction. Illicit is an adjective meaning illegal or not allowed. A good question elicits an answer; illicit trade breaks the law.
| Word | Part of speech | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| elicit | verb | to draw out or bring forth a reaction, an answer or a piece of information |
| illicit | adjective | not allowed by law, rules or custom |
Elicit
verb: to draw out or bring forth a reaction, an answer or a piece of information
- The teacher's joke elicited a groan from the class.
- Good survey questions elicit honest answers.
Illicit
adjective: not allowed by law, rules or custom
- The website was shut down for selling illicit copies of movies.
- Inspectors found illicit shipments of rare turtles at the port.
How to remember the difference
Elicit starts with e, like extract: you extract a response. Illicit starts with ill, like illegal.
Good to know
In everyday speech the two words can sound identical, so spelling is the only clue. Do not confuse elicit with solicit, which means to ask for something, such as donations or opinions.
Spot the mistake
The officers found an
elicitillicit shipment of rare orchids.Correct: The officers found an illicit shipment of rare orchids.
Check yourself
Pick the word that fits each sentence.
1. The new ad failed to much interest from buyers.
Answer: elicit. The word is a verb meaning to draw out a reaction, so elicit fits.
2. The museum returned artifacts that had been smuggled abroad.
Answer: illicit. The artifacts were obtained illegally, so the adjective illicit fits.