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Elicit vs. Illicit: What's the Difference?
Quick answer
- Elicit is a verb: to draw out a response or information.
- Illicit is an adjective: not allowed by law or rules.
The difference
Elicit is an action someone performs. Illicit describes what something is. They sound close, but they never occupy the same slot in a sentence.
Elicit
- Usually
- verb
- Think
- draw out
- Meaning
- To get a response, reaction or piece of information from someone.
- Example
- The question elicited an awkward silence.
Illicit
- Usually
- adjective
- Think
- illegal
- Meaning
- Forbidden by law, rules or custom.
- Example
- They were fired for illicit use of company funds.
When to use elicit
Use elicit when something is being drawn out of a person or a group.
- The survey elicited over a thousand replies.
- Nothing he said elicited any reaction.
When to use illicit
Use illicit to describe an action, trade or relationship that breaks the rules.
- The report traced illicit payments through three accounts.
- Illicit trade costs the industry billions.
Remember it
ILLicit things are ILLegal.
Common mix-up
Incorrect: The advert was designed to illicit a reaction.
Correct: The advert was designed to elicit a reaction.
A verb is needed here, and the verb is elicit.
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Investigators uncovered _____ payments.
Good interviewers _____ honest answers.
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