The Guardian | September 18, 2019
"New interview techniques help police elicit accurate descriptions from witnesses."
Elicit vs. Illicit
The '30 Seconds' Difference At A Glance
'Elicit' is a verb meaning to draw out or evoke a response or reaction. 'Illicit' is an adjective meaning illegal or not permitted.
The detective tried to elicit information about the illicit drug trade.
A Deeper Look
'Elicit' means to get something out of someone - usually information or a reaction. It's like drawing out what you want to know or see.
The teacher asked questions to elicit ideas from the quiet students.
The funny video was designed to elicit laughter from the audience.
'Illicit' simply means not allowed or against the rules - whether that's against the law or just socially unacceptable.
They were caught running an illicit gambling operation from their garage.
The school had strict rules about illicit phone use during exams.
Common Usage Patterns
Elicit
"Elicit a response"
"Elicit information"
"Elicit feedback"
Illicit
"Illicit substances"
"Illicit relationships"
"Illicit trade"
Key Patterns
Elicit: always followed by what is being drawn out or provoked
Illicit: usually describes nouns relating to forbidden or illegal things
What Teachers Say
"Legal and journalism students particularly struggle with these words. Remember that 'elicit' is about extracting information - something investigators and reporters do constantly."
-- Gregory, Chicago
"In academic writing, 'elicit' is crucial vocabulary for describing research methods - how we draw out responses from participants. It's never interchangeable with 'illicit'."
-- Amanda, Perth
"The confusion often comes from similar pronunciation. Focus on usage: if you're trying to get something from someone, it's 'elicit'. If something's not allowed, it's 'illicit'."
-- Mark, Manchester
From The Headlines
The Washington Post | March 5, 2016
"Report reveals growth of illicit cryptocurrency trading on dark web markets."
The Sydney Morning Herald | November 12, 2009
"Social media campaign fails to elicit response from government on illegal logging concerns."
Test Yourself!
1. The survey was designed to _______ honest feedback from participants.
2. Authorities discovered an _______ gambling operation in the basement.
3. The researcher tried to _______ information about _______ drug use without making participants uncomfortable.
