elicit
verbto draw out an answer, a reaction or information
Elicit: you pull a reaction out.
Elicit vs illicit
They sound alike, but one is what you do and the other is how something is described.
2 wordsaudio · quiz
Quick answer
Elicit is a verb: to draw out a reaction or answer. Illicit is an adjective: illegal or not allowed.
illicit
adjectiveillegal or not allowed by rules or morals
Illicit: illegal.
The difference at a glance
| Word | Type | Means | Example | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| elicit | verb | to draw out an answer, a reaction or information | The teacher tried to elicit answers from the class. | |
| illicit | adjective | illegal or not allowed by rules or morals | He was arrested for illicit drug dealing. |
See each one in a sentence
verb
elicit
Examples
The teacher tried to elicit answers from the class.
His joke elicited a laugh.
Common mistake
Not: The question was designed to illicit an honest reply.
Say: The question was designed to elicit an honest reply.
Drawing out a reply is elicit.
adjective
illicit
Examples
He was arrested for illicit drug dealing.
They had an illicit meeting.
Common mistake
Not: He ran an elicit business selling fake tickets.
Say: He ran an illicit business selling fake tickets.
Illegal or forbidden is illicit.
Pick the right word
Fill the gap
Read the sentence, then choose the word that fits.
Now use them yourself
Write or say two sentences, one with each word, in a real conversation.