Elicit vs Illicit - What is the difference?

The Major difference for the identical pronunciation of words like elicit vs illicit lies in their meanings. The word “illicit” is an adjective that is used to describe “illegal” activities. But “elicit” acts as a verb and is used to "bring forth a reaction or fact from someone”.

Knowing about the variation between these words will upgrade your semantic skills. In this article Elicit vs illicit, we have explained the contrast, and its usage along with a few examples that deepens your comprehension skills. Some practice quizzes, synonyms of the words are provided for a better understanding. 

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What is the meaning of Illicit and how it is used? 

The word illicit refers to illegal activities. It is used while mentioning the things that are improper or not permitted by laws, morals and customs. It is basically an adjective that modifies the noun phrases.

See the examples that show how the word is used in the sentences given below.

Examples of Illicit

1. The illicit drug industry has an annual turnover of some 50 billion.
2. People follow a strong tradition in smuggling, illicit goods were brought from nearby coastal areas.
3. This study mainly focuses on stress, alcohol consumption and illicit drugs

What is the meaning of Elicit and how it is used?

Elicit means to draw out or evoke or obtain reaction from someone. It is used to bring forth intangible responses like emotions, facts, any information, etc. This word acts as a verb that conveys an action or occurance. 

Examples of Elicit

1. Certain jobs of interior design can elicit different salaries.
2. Asking a random employee may not elicit you the most honest answer, but it can be considered as a second opinion.
3. An internet search will elicit  more than hundred patterns of felted items.

Illicit and Elicit - Origins

These two pairs of words which are very easy to confuse come from Latin ancestors. Elicit comes from elicitus and traces from verb lacere which means “to allure”. Whereas Illicit comes from prefix-i (means “not'') plus the latin word licēre that means “to be permitted or allowed”. 

How to remember the variation between elicit and illicit

Since elicit and illicit are near homophones we are giving you the best tricks to decide between Elicit and illicit while using them in your writings. 

• Remembering their synonyms is the best way to identify the variation. 
• You can also recollect like when you take the term  illicit its synonym illegal that starts with the letter “ill”. 
• In the same way, take elicit its synonym is evoke that starts with the letter “e”. 
• Sometimes remembering which parts of speech you are using also facilitates. 

Illicit and Elicit - Synonyms

Illicit synonyms

If you plan to use the word illicit, think of these synonyms as well.

• Illegal
• Unlawful
• Illegitimate
• Outlawed
• Forbidden
• Banned
• Prohibited
• Interdicted 

Elicit synonyms

If your idea is to use the word elicit, plan using its synonyms given below

• Extract
• Evoke
• Obtain
• Bring out
• Bring forth
• Call forth
• Prompt
• Generate 

Common terms using the words Elicit and illicit

Common terms using Elicit	Common terms using Illicit
Elicit the truth	Illicit drug habit
Elicit the hidden information	Illicit affair
Elicit the feelings	Illicit modes of dealing
Elicit donations for poor people	Illicit excavations
Elicit support from board members	Illicit medical practices
Elicit debates	Illicit tradings

Practice Quiz :  Elicit vs Illicit

1. This area is filled with funny images and other things to _____ a laugh. (elicit/ illicit)
2. The police received an anonymous tip-off last Thursday from the gun's _____ owner. (elicit/ illicit)
3. The king is limited to a symbolic figurehead, however the institution _____ huge amounts of respect and reverence from the Thai people. (elicits/ illicits).

4. Indian elephants often have a tendency to raid  _____ stills and go on the rampage through villages. (illicit/ elicit)

Practice quiz answers:

1. elicit
2. illicit
3. elicits
4. illicit

Other Useful Links:

• Belief vs Believe
• Your and You're
• who vs whom
• Elude vs Allude
• Affect vs Effect
• e.g. vs i.e.

Conclusion

Improper usage of homophones will change the meaning essence. Learning about Elicit vs illicit will help you to improve your English terminology to draw a good expertise in grammar.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does elicit a mean cause?

Elicit means you are bringing out a response of some sort. It relates to creating or provoking a response. For example: A good comedian elicits a lot of laughs.

2. What is the meaning of illicitly?

Illicitly means illegal in a way or disapproved of by the society. Say like Funds of the event were illicitly obtained.

3. Is elicit termed as a negative word?

The term elicit does have a little negative connotation as there is a typical implication that the person attempting to elicit a response is doing so in a manipulative manner.

4. What is the difference between Ellicit and Illicit?

Illicit is an adjective that determines something that is illegal or not permitted, whereas elicit is a verb which means “to bring forth a reaction or response”. Elicit can be traced back to lacere, meaning “to allure”, while illicit is related to  licēre, which means "to be permitted."