Definitions
Illicit is an adjective that refers to something that is illegal or not allowed by law.
Example
Illicit drugs are a major problem in many countries.
Example
The company was fined for engaging in illicit business practices.
Elicit is a verb that means to draw out or obtain information or a response from someone.
Example
The survey was designed to elicit information about customer satisfaction.
Example
The comedian's jokes elicited laughter from the audience.
Tips To Remember the Differences
Here are a few tips to easily distinguish the difference between these words while keeping in mind the description we've provided:
To remember the difference between these two words, think of illicit as something that is illegal or not allowed, and elicit as something that draws out information or a response.
Remember this!
Remember, illicit means illegal or not allowed, while elicit means to draw out or obtain information or a response.
