The difference between elicit and illicit (grammar lesson)


elicit and illicit - the difference

To elicit means 'to draw out' or 'to obtain' (usually information). Illicit means 'illegal'.

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.

Illicit

The 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:

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.