Difference between elicit and illicit

Two words that are commonly confused are elicit and illicit. Here’s the difference.

Elicit

To elicit something is to draw it out. For example, “Your negativity will elicit negativity from others.”

Illicit

Illicit, on the other hand, means illegal, as in “illicit drugs”

One easy way to remember the difference is that “illegal” and “illicit” both start with “ill”.

Can you think of any other words that are commonly confused? Let me know in the comments below.

By Kim Siever

I am a copywriter and copyeditor. I blog on writing and social media tips mostly, but I sometimes throw in my thoughts about running a small business. Follow me on Twitter at @hotpepper.