Elicit vs. Illicit — What's the Difference?
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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