Elicit is a verb meaning to draw out a response, reaction, or piece of information. Illicit is an adjective meaning forbidden by law or rules. Check the word’s job in the sentence before you choose the spelling.
Look for an action or a description
- Elicit. The reporter’s question elicited a detailed answer. The question prompted the person to give more information.
- Illicit. The inspector investigated illicit sales at the market. The adjective describes sales that were prohibited.
Check the part of speech
If you can substitute draw out or prompt, the verb you need is elicit. If you can substitute forbidden, the adjective you need is illicit. In The question elicited information about illicit sales, each word does a different job.
