Here’s the tricky part: elicit and illicit are pronounced the same in many accents, so they’re easy to swap in writing. One is a verb about getting a response. The other is an adjective about something not permitted. The meaning does the heavy lifting, not the sound.
Meaning and Core Differences
Elicit is about drawing something out—usually a reply, reaction, or information. Illicit describes something not allowed—by law, rules, or social norms. Same sound, different meaning, different grammar.
Meaning Signals You’ll See Around Elicit
- question, interview, survey
- response, feedback, reaction
- smile, laughter, emotion
Meaning Signals You’ll See Around Illicit
- forbidden, unauthorized, unlawful
- secret, improper, disapproved
- deal, relationship, activity
Elicit: Definition, Grammar, and Typical Use
Elicit is a transitive verb. It means to get or draw out something (often information or a reaction) from a person or situation. It frequently appears in formal or professional writing, especially when the focus is on causing a response. ✅Source
- Part of Speech
- Verb (elicit / elicited / eliciting)
- Typical Object
- a response, feedback, information, laughter
- Common Tone
- Neutral, analytical, reporting-focused
In sentence structure, elicit is most natural when something actively triggers an output: a prompt elicits answers, a scene elicits emotion, a comment elicits laughter.
- elicit feedback from users
- elicit an honest response
- elicit sympathy or support
- elicit information during an interview
Illicit: Definition, Grammar, and Typical Use
Illicit is an adjective. It describes something not allowed—often by law, but sometimes by rules or accepted standards. The word modifies a noun: illicit + activity, deal, or relationship. ✅Source
- Part of Speech
- Adjective (it describes a noun)
- Typical Nouns After It
- activity, trade, meeting, arrangement
- Core Idea
- forbidden, unauthorized, unlawful
Because illicit can point to “not allowed,” it shows up in policy, compliance, and formal contexts. In more everyday writing, it can also mean “secret” or “improper,” still keeping that not permitted vibe.
- illicit activity (not permitted)
- illicit agreement (unauthorized)
- illicit relationship (disapproved or forbidden)
- illicit access (not authorized)
Pronunciation and Spelling Traps
Elicit and illicit often sound identical (a common “ih-LISS-it” rhythm), which is why the mix-up happens so easily. Dictionaries even call out the confusion: similar pronunciation, but different meaning and different grammar. ✅Source
Spelling clue: illicit starts with il-, a common negative prefix, so it pairs naturally with forbidden or not allowed meanings. Elicit starts with e- and stays in the “evoke/draw out” lane.
If you’re reading quickly, the safest check is grammatical: elicit needs a subject doing an action and an object being drawn out. Illicit sits right before a noun and works like a label: illicit something.
Word History That Explains the Spelling
Elicit comes from a Latin root meaning to draw out, which matches the modern sense of bringing out information or a response. The spelling is tied to that origin, even if it isn’t obvious at first glance. ✅Source
Example Sentences With Real-World Context
Elicit Used Correctly
- The interviewer’s follow-up question elicited a clear answer from the guest.
- The new design elicited strong reactions and lots of feedback during testing.
- That single line elicited laughter and a round of applause.
Illicit Used Correctly
- The report mentioned an illicit arrangement that was not authorized under the rules.
- They investigated an illicit agreement made outside the approved process.
- The policy exists to prevent illicit access to restricted systems.
Common wrong-choice pattern: “illicit a response” looks tempting because it sounds right, but illicit is an adjective. The verb for “draw out a response” is elicit.
Side-By-Side Comparison
| Word | Part of Speech | Core Meaning | What Usually Follows | Safe Example Phrase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| elicit | verb | draw out / get a response | a response, feedback, emotion | elicit feedback |
| illicit | adjective | not allowed / forbidden | activity, deal, arrangement | illicit access |
Frequent Mix-Ups and What They Usually Mean
Most mix-ups happen when the writer needs a verb (an action) but grabs the adjective. If the sentence wants “cause a reaction,” it’s elicit. If the sentence wants “not permitted,” it’s illicit.
Pairs That Reveal the Right Choice
- Need an action? Pick elicit to draw out information.
- Need a label? Pick illicit to describe an unauthorized activity.
- Seeing “response/feedback” nearby? That language points to elicit and an object being produced.
- Seeing “forbidden/unauthorized” nearby? That language points to illicit and a noun being described.
A quick grammar snapshot: “They elicited feedback” makes sense because something was obtained. “They found illicit activity” makes sense because a noun is being described. Same sound, different structure.
FAQ
Are elicit and illicit both correct words?
Yes. Elicit is a verb (to draw out a response). Illicit is an adjective (something not permitted).
Do elicit and illicit sound the same?
Often, yes. That shared sound is why spelling mistakes happen, especially when the sentence is moving fast and the writer is thinking in sound instead of grammar.
Is illicit always about breaking the law?
Not always. Illicit can mean unlawful, but it’s also used for things considered forbidden or unauthorized under rules or accepted standards.
Can elicit be used with emotions?
Yes. Elicit commonly pairs with reactions like laughter, surprise, or sympathy—the idea is that something brings out that response.
What’s elicitation?
Elicitation is a related noun meaning the act or process of eliciting something, often used in research, interviews, and analysis.
Here’s the tricky part: elicit and illicit are pronounced the same in many accents, so they’re easy to swap in writing. One is a verb about getting a response. The other is an adjective about something not permitted. The meaning does the heavy lifting, not the sound.
Meaning and Core Differences
Elicit is about drawing something out—usually a reply, reaction, or information. Illicit describes something not allowed—by law, rules, or social norms. Same sound, different meaning, different grammar.
Meaning Signals You’ll See Around Elicit
- question, interview, survey
- response, feedback, reaction
- smile, laughter, emotion
Meaning Signals You’ll See Around Illicit
- forbidden, unauthorized, unlawful
- secret, improper, disapproved
- deal, relationship, activity
Elicit: Definition, Grammar, and Typical Use
Elicit is a transitive verb. It means to get or draw out something (often information or a reaction) from a person or situation. It frequently appears in formal or professional writing, especially when the focus is on causing a response. ✅Source
- Part of Speech
- Verb (elicit / elicited / eliciting)
- Typical Object
- a response, feedback, information, laughter
- Common Tone
- Neutral, analytical, reporting-focused
In sentence structure, elicit is most natural when something actively triggers an output: a prompt elicits answers, a scene elicits emotion, a comment elicits laughter.
- elicit feedback from users
- elicit an honest response
- elicit sympathy or support
- elicit information during an interview
Illicit: Definition, Grammar, and Typical Use
Illicit is an adjective. It describes something not allowed—often by law, but sometimes by rules or accepted standards. The word modifies a noun: illicit + activity, deal, or relationship. ✅Source
- Part of Speech
- Adjective (it describes a noun)
- Typical Nouns After It
- activity, trade, meeting, arrangement
- Core Idea
- forbidden, unauthorized, unlawful
Because illicit can point to “not allowed,” it shows up in policy, compliance, and formal contexts. In more everyday writing, it can also mean “secret” or “improper,” still keeping that not permitted vibe.
- illicit activity (not permitted)
- illicit agreement (unauthorized)
- illicit relationship (disapproved or forbidden)
- illicit access (not authorized)
Pronunciation and Spelling Traps
Elicit and illicit often sound identical (a common “ih-LISS-it” rhythm), which is why the mix-up happens so easily. Dictionaries even call out the confusion: similar pronunciation, but different meaning and different grammar. ✅Source
Spelling clue: illicit starts with il-, a common negative prefix, so it pairs naturally with forbidden or not allowed meanings. Elicit starts with e- and stays in the “evoke/draw out” lane.
If you’re reading quickly, the safest check is grammatical: elicit needs a subject doing an action and an object being drawn out. Illicit sits right before a noun and works like a label: illicit something.
Word History That Explains the Spelling
Elicit comes from a Latin root meaning to draw out, which matches the modern sense of bringing out information or a response. The spelling is tied to that origin, even if it isn’t obvious at first glance. ✅Source
Example Sentences With Real-World Context
Elicit Used Correctly
- The interviewer’s follow-up question elicited a clear answer from the guest.
- The new design elicited strong reactions and lots of feedback during testing.
- That single line elicited laughter and a round of applause.
Illicit Used Correctly
- The report mentioned an illicit arrangement that was not authorized under the rules.
- They investigated an illicit agreement made outside the approved process.
- The policy exists to prevent illicit access to restricted systems.
Common wrong-choice pattern: “illicit a response” looks tempting because it sounds right, but illicit is an adjective. The verb for “draw out a response” is elicit.
Side-By-Side Comparison
| Word | Part of Speech | Core Meaning | What Usually Follows | Safe Example Phrase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| elicit | verb | draw out / get a response | a response, feedback, emotion | elicit feedback |
| illicit | adjective | not allowed / forbidden | activity, deal, arrangement | illicit access |
Frequent Mix-Ups and What They Usually Mean
Most mix-ups happen when the writer needs a verb (an action) but grabs the adjective. If the sentence wants “cause a reaction,” it’s elicit. If the sentence wants “not permitted,” it’s illicit.
Pairs That Reveal the Right Choice
- Need an action? Pick elicit to draw out information.
- Need a label? Pick illicit to describe an unauthorized activity.
- Seeing “response/feedback” nearby? That language points to elicit and an object being produced.
- Seeing “forbidden/unauthorized” nearby? That language points to illicit and a noun being described.
A quick grammar snapshot: “They elicited feedback” makes sense because something was obtained. “They found illicit activity” makes sense because a noun is being described. Same sound, different structure.
FAQ
Are elicit and illicit both correct words?
Yes. Elicit is a verb (to draw out a response). Illicit is an adjective (something not permitted).
Do elicit and illicit sound the same?
Often, yes. That shared sound is why spelling mistakes happen, especially when the sentence is moving fast and the writer is thinking in sound instead of grammar.
Is illicit always about breaking the law?
Not always. Illicit can mean unlawful, but it’s also used for things considered forbidden or unauthorized under rules or accepted standards.
Can elicit be used with emotions?
Yes. Elicit commonly pairs with reactions like laughter, surprise, or sympathy—the idea is that something brings out that response.
What’s elicitation?
Elicitation is a related noun meaning the act or process of eliciting something, often used in research, interviews, and analysis.