The words 'elicit' and 'illicit' sound similar, but their meanings are very
different.
Elicit
In very general terms, the verb
elicit means 'to obtain'. However, it has the connotation of actively
obtaining something (usually information). It can often be translated as 'to draw
out', 'to extract', 'to obtain information', 'to deduce' or 'to construe'.
Examples:
 Fog always seems to elicit strong feelings of melancholy.
His questioning sought to elicit the conclusion he had reached even before the hearing began.
IllicitThe adjective illicit means 'illegal' or 'contrary to accepted morality
(i.e., naughty)'.
Examples:
The act seeks to prevent the illicit trafficking of narcotics.
We have been told to expect a purge on illicit file-sharing web sites.
Select the correct version:
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ELICIT = EXTRACT
The first letter of elicit can serve to remind you that it means extract.
ILLICIT = ILLEGAL
The first three letters of illicit can serve to remind you that it means illegal.
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Easily Confused Words
