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Understanding Elicit vs Illicit

Byletslearnenglishtogether.com

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Many mix up “elicit” and “illicit” despite their different meanings. Let’s review their key differences.

Quick Reference

Elicit (verb) – to draw out or provoke a response

Illicit (adjective) – illegal, unlawful, forbidden

Elicit vs illicit

Defining “Elicit”

To “elicit” means to draw out or spur a reaction. For instance:

  • The lawyer tried to elicit a confession from the suspect.
  • The film elicited outrage among reviewers.
  • Her acting elicited loud applause from the crowd.

“Elicit” leads to responses. It stirs something into motion.

Defining “Illicit”

“Illicit” describes illegal or rule-breaking actions. For example:

  • Their illicit business landed them in jail.
  • Illicit drug misuse remains a problem.
  • She had an illicit affair.

So “illicit” refers to unacceptable or forbidden acts. It means breaking codes or laws.

Using “Elicit”

Here’s “elicit” properly used:

  1. The teacher asked open questions to elicit thoughtful discussion.
  2. Donations often elicit an emotional donor response.
  3. The software update elicited many user complaints.
  4. Police elicit confessions from suspects.
  5. The viral video elicited reactions – from outrage to laughter.
  6. She tells stories that reliably elicit laughs and tears.

In each case, “elicit” draws a response or reaction.

Using “Illicit”

And here’s “illicit” used correctly:

  1. Authorities seized illicit border materials.
  2. There’s a robust illicit drug trade in the city.
  3. She got fired for her illicit affair with her boss.
  4. He got arrested for illicit investor schemes.
  5. The dictator got rich through illicit means
  6. Illicit poaching remains common in protected wilderness.

Here, “illicit” means rule or law-breaking behaviors.

Elicit vs Illicit: Recalling the Difference

If you mix them up:

  • Think elicit = evoke. It draws something out.
  • Think illicit = illegal.
  • Think “E” for “Extract” or “Evoke” (drawing out comments) vs. “I” for “Illegal” or “Improper”.
  • You can practice speaking English with a teacher or a group class via Italki.

Other commonly confused words:

Elicit vs Illicit: Common Mistakes

Wrong: “The agents illicited a bribe from the official.”
Right: “The agents elicited a bribe.”

Wrong: “The elicit gambling ring made huge profits.”
Right: “The illicit gambling ring made huge profits.”

It’s easy to confuse these very similar-seeming words! But keeping their meanings separate is doable with simple memory aids.

Elicit vs Illicit: The Takeaway

“Elicit” and “illicit” mean very different things. Remember: elicit = evoke, illicit = illegal. With time, telling them apart will get easier.

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