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Elicit vs. Illicit — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Elicit and Illicit

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Definitions

Elicit

To call forth, draw out, or provoke (a response or reaction, for example)
"Interrogators were reportedly frustrated by their inability to elicit useful information from him" (Jane Mayer).

Illicit

Not sanctioned by custom or law; improper or unlawful.

Elicit

To evoke, educe (emotions, feelings, responses, etc.); to generate, obtain, or provoke as a response or answer.

Illicit

(Linguistics) Improperly formed; ungrammatical.

Elicit

To draw out, bring out, bring forth (something latent); to obtain information from someone or something.
Fred wished to elicit the time of the meeting from Jane.
Did you elicit a response?
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Illicit

(legal) Not approved by law, but not invalid.
The bigamous marriage, while illicit, was not invalid.

Elicit

To use logic to arrive at truth; to derive by reason

Illicit

Breaking social norms.

Elicit

(obsolete) Elicited; drawn out; made real; open; evident.

Illicit

Unlawful.
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Elicit

Elicited; drawn out; made real; open; evident.

Illicit

A banned or unlawful item.

Elicit

To draw out or entice forth; to bring to light; to bring out against the will; to deduce by reason or argument; as, to elicit truth by discussion.

Illicit

Not permitted or allowed; prohibited; unlawful; as, illicit trade; illicit intercourse; illicit pleasure.
One illicit . . . transaction always leads to another.

Elicit

Call forth (emotions, feelings, and responses);
Arouse pity
Raise a smile
Evoke sympathy

Illicit

Contrary to accepted morality (especially sexual morality) or convention;
An illicit association with his secretary

Elicit

Deduce (a principle) or construe (a meaning);
We drew out some interesting linguistic data from the native informant

Illicit

Contrary to or forbidden by law;
An illegitimate seizure of power
Illicit trade
An outlaw strike
Unlawful measures

Elicit

Derive by reason;
Elicit a solution

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