Distinguishing Elicit & Illicit

Elicit vs Illicit

Elicit and illicit are considered homophones, as they have similar pronunciation but different meanings. It’s crucial to understand the difference between these two words, which could be easily misused due to their similar spelling and pronunciation. Elicit is a verb that means to draw out or evoke a response, while illicit is an adjective referring to things and activities that are banned or considered illegal in a particular place or country.

Key Takeaways

• Elicit is a verb that means to draw out or evoke a response.
• Illicit is an adjective that refers to things and activities that are banned or considered illegal.
• These two words are considered homophones due to their similar pronunciation but have very different meanings.

What does Elicit mean?

Elicit is a verb that means to draw out or evoke a response. For example: “The lawyer found it very hard to elicit a response from the witness, who almost turned hostile.”

What does Illicit mean?

Illicit is an adjective that refers to things and activities that are banned or considered illegal in a particular place or country. For example: “The judge ordered prison for the person convicted of selling illicit liquor.” Illicit is also used for relationships that are considered immoral, such as a teacher having sexual relations with their student.

What is the difference between Elicit and Illicit?

The main differences between elicit and illicit are that elicit is a verb meaning to extract or draw out, whereas illicit is an adjective referring to something contrary to the law or an illegal activity.