Confusable pair · C1
Elicit or illicit?
Elicit is a verb meaning to draw something out of someone: elicit a response. Illicit is an adjective meaning illegal or forbidden: illicit trade. They sound almost identical and share no meaning whatsoever, which makes this one of the most visible spelling errors in English.
Which word, and why
- elicit
verb: draw a response out of someone
To obtain information or a reaction from someone.
elicit a response · elicit information · elicit sympathy
- illicit
adjective: illegal or forbidden
Not permitted by law or custom.
illicit trade · an illicit affair · illicit substances
Now use it
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