Elicit vs Illicit: What's the Difference?
What's the Difference?
Elicit" means to bring out or obtain a response, while "illicit" is used to mean illegal.
Memory Tip: elicit = evoke response, illicit = illegal act
elicit has stress on second syllable, illicit on first
elicit /ɪˈlɪsɪt/
verbTo draw out a response, answer, or fact from someone through questioning or discussion.
Example:
The researcher conducted a series of interviews to elicit detailed responses from participants about their personal experiences with the new policy, ensuring that the data collected was both comprehensive and insightful.
Common patterns:
elicit a response
elicit information
elicit support
illicit /ɪˈlɪsɪt/
adjectiveIllicit means not allowed by law or rules, often referring to activities that are illegal or forbidden.
Example:
The investigative report revealed how the organization had been involved in illicit activities, including money laundering and smuggling, which ultimately led to its downfall.
Common patterns:
illicit drugs
illicit affair
illicit trade
Common Mistakes
The detective tried to illicit a confession from the suspect.
The detective tried to elicit a confession from the suspect.
Elicit is correct because it means to draw out a response, such as a confession.
The concert was canceled due to elicit activities in the area.
The concert was canceled due to illicit activities in the area.
Illicit is correct because it refers to activities that are illegal or forbidden.
Quick Practice
0/2 correct1. The researcher conducted a series of interviews to ____ detailed responses from participants about their personal experiences with the new policy, ensuring that the data collected was both comprehensive and insightful.
2. The investigative report revealed how the organization had been involved in ____ activities, including money laundering and smuggling, which ultimately led to its downfall.
Other Confusing Words
Never confuse elicit / illicit again
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