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How to Pronounce elicit vs illicit

Key Pronunciation Contrast

Homophones (⁄ɪˈlɪs.ɪt⁄): ‘elicit’ is a verb meaning to draw out or provoke a response; ‘illicit’ is an adjective meaning forbidden or unlawful.

Contrast: Homophones: identical ⁄ɪˈlɪs.ɪt⁄

elicit

⁄ɪˈlɪsɪt⁄

Syllables

e·LIC·it

Definition:

To evoke, educe (emotions, feelings, responses, etc.); to generate, obtain, or provoke as a response or answer.

“Shouts of laughter were elicited, smart biddings drawn out, from the whispers of a timid miss, to the stentorian voice of a fox-hunting squire, and not a few fracas from parties either contending for a supposed prize, or disclaiming their chance for it,...”

illicit

⁄ɪˈlɪs.ɪt⁄

Syllables

il·LIC·it

Definition:

Not approved by law, but not invalid.

“The bigamous marriage, while illicit, was not invalid.”

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Frequently Asked Questions: elicit vs illicit

What is the difference in pronunciation between "elicit" and "illicit"?

Homophones (⁄ɪˈlɪs.ɪt⁄): ‘elicit’ is a verb meaning to draw out or provoke a response; ‘illicit’ is an adjective meaning forbidden or unlawful.

Where does the syllable stress fall in "elicit" vs "illicit"?

"elicit" has 3 syllable(s) (e · lic · it) with stress on "LIC". "illicit" has 3 syllable(s) (il · lic · it) with stress on "LIC".

Why do English learners often confuse "elicit" and "illicit"?

Learners frequently confuse them due to the close sound contrast: Homophones: identical ⁄ɪˈlɪs.ɪt⁄. In rapid spoken English, context and vowel duration are the primary differentiators.

What are example sentences for "elicit" and "illicit"?

Example for "elicit": "Shouts of laughter were elicited, smart biddings drawn out, from the whispers of a timid miss, to the stentorian voice of a fox-hunting squire, and not a few fracas from parties either contending for a supposed prize, or disclaiming their chance for it,..." Example for "illicit": "The bigamous marriage, while illicit, was not invalid."