# Elicit — Meaning, Definition & Examples

> Elicit (verb, pronounced ih-LISS-it) means to draw out or bring forth a response, answer, or reaction from someone. “The question elicited a burst of laughter.” It is easily confused with illicit, an adjective meaning illegal — they sound the same but mean very different things.

**URL:** https://humanit.app/blog/elicit-meaning  ·  **Published:** 2026-06-22  ·  **Updated:** 2026-06-22  ·  4 min read

## What does elicit mean?

Elicit is a verb that means to draw something out — usually a reaction, a response, an answer, or information. You elicit a smile, elicit feedback, elicit a confession. The thing you elicit is something that was there but needed prompting to come out.

The past tense is elicited, and the noun is elicitation.

## Elicit vs illicit

This is the trap. Elicit (verb) means to draw out a response. Illicit (adjective) means illegal or forbidden — “illicit drugs,” “an illicit affair.” They are homophones, but elicit is something you do, while illicit describes something that breaks a rule. If you can replace the word with “draw out,” it’s elicit.

## Elicit in a sentence

• The survey was designed to elicit honest opinions.
• Her speech elicited a standing ovation.
• Detectives tried to elicit a confession.

## Synonyms

Synonyms: draw out, evoke, extract, prompt, obtain, bring out, provoke.

## Word origin

Elicit comes from the Latin elicere, “to draw out” or “entice,” from e- (out) + lacere (to lure). The sense of coaxing something out has been there from the start.

## Catch words you confuse

Homophone mix-ups like elicit/illicit slip past spellcheck because both are real words. Humanit’s free grammar checker reads meaning in context, so it can flag the wrong one and explain the difference — paste your draft and check it before you send it.

## FAQ

**What does elicit mean in simple terms?**

To get a reaction or response out of someone — like drawing out an answer, a laugh, or feedback.

**What is the difference between elicit and illicit?**

Elicit is a verb meaning to draw out a response; illicit is an adjective meaning illegal or forbidden. They sound alike but are unrelated.

**How do you use elicited in a sentence?**

“The announcement elicited mixed reactions.” It means the announcement drew out those reactions.

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_Last updated: June 2026._