Elicit vs. Illicit — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 25, 2024
"Elicit" means to draw out a response or reaction, while "illicit" describes something illegal or forbidden.
Difference Between Elicit and Illicit
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Elicit" is a verb used to describe the act of drawing out or evoking a response or information from someone, often through questions or discussion. In contrast, "illicit" is an adjective that characterizes actions, objects, or activities as unlawful or prohibited.
The process to elicit information might involve careful questioning or stimuli designed to provoke a reaction, highlighting its usage in psychology and research. Whereas, illicit often relates to activities that break legal or moral laws, such as illicit drugs or illicit trade.
In communications, professionals might use techniques to elicit feedback or opinions from audiences, employing surveys or interviews. On the other hand, illicit communications could involve unauthorized transmission of confidential data, stressing legal boundaries.
Elicit does not carry any inherent moral or legal judgment in its usage; it simply describes an act of extraction or revelation. Illicit, however, inherently carries a negative connotation, implying the breach of societal norms or regulations.
The training of law enforcement may include methods to elicit truthful information from suspects through interrogation. Meanwhile, they are also trained to identify and combat illicit activities such as smuggling or illegal transactions.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Verb
Adjective
Meaning
To draw out, provoke, or extract
Illegal, prohibited, or unauthorized
Usage in Sentence
Used with an object
Used to describe nouns
Related Fields
Psychology, research, education
Law, ethics, security
Examples
"The teacher elicited responses from students."
"They were arrested for illicit drug trafficking."
Compare with Definitions
Elicit
To provoke a reaction or answer.
The announcement was designed to elicit public support.
Illicit
Engaging in something prohibited.
He was known for his illicit dealings.
Elicit
To draw out a response or information from someone.
The therapist used questions to elicit feelings from the patient.
Illicit
Not legally permitted or authorized.
The company was fined for its illicit activities.
Elicit
To extract information or a response.
Investigators were able to elicit crucial details from the witness.
Illicit
Referring to goods obtained illegally.
Illicit firearms pose a danger to society.
Elicit
To bring out a substance or principle.
Chemists elicit pure compounds from mixtures.
Illicit
Forbidden by law, rules, or custom.
Illicit drug use is heavily penalized.
Elicit
To derive by reason or argument.
The scholar elicited a clear argument from the complex data.
Illicit
Involving activities that are not considered morally acceptable.
The novel explores the theme of illicit love.
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?
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.
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 or forbidden by law;
An illegitimate seizure of power
Illicit trade
An outlaw strike
Unlawful measures
Elicit
Deduce (a principle) or construe (a meaning);
We drew out some interesting linguistic data from the native informant
Elicit
Derive by reason;
Elicit a solution
Common Curiosities
How do professionals use the concept of elicitation in their work?
Professionals in fields like psychology, education, and law enforcement use elicitation techniques to gather needed information effectively.
Can elicit be used in a legal context?
Yes, elicit is often used in legal contexts to describe the process of obtaining information from witnesses or suspects.
What are examples of illicit activities?
Examples of illicit activities include illegal drug trafficking, smuggling, and unauthorized broadcasting.
What is the penalty for engaging in illicit activities?
Penalties for illicit activities vary but generally include fines, imprisonment, or other legal actions.
Is it correct to say "elicit drugs"?
No, the correct term is "illicit drugs," referring to drugs that are illegal or used illegally.
What does it mean to elicit information?
To elicit information means to encourage or provoke someone to provide information, often through questioning or discussion.
Can something be both elicited and illicit?
Yes, information or actions can be elicited through questioning that later turns out to involve illicit activities.
Is "illicit" always related to legal violations?
Mostly, but it can also refer to violations of social or ethical standards.
What legal measures combat illicit trade?
Legal measures include strict regulations, penalties, and international cooperation to combat illicit trade.
What is the difference in the usage of elicit and illicit in academic writing?
In academic writing, "elicit" is used to describe the method of gathering data or responses, while "illicit" refers to topics involving illegal or unethical activities.
How does one learn to effectively elicit information?
Effective elicitation techniques are learned through training in psychology, law enforcement, or education.
What are common misconceptions about illicit behavior?
A common misconception is that illicit behavior only involves major crimes, but it also includes smaller rule violations.
Can elicitation be done unintentionally?
Yes, responses or information can be elicited unintentionally through casual conversations or observations.
What role does society play in defining what is illicit?
Society plays a crucial role through cultural norms and laws in defining what behaviors are considered illicit.
Can illicit behavior ever become legal?
Some behaviors that were once illicit can become legal through changes in laws, as seen with certain drug policies.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
