Episode Overview

Main Theme:
This episode of the Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day podcast (January 18, 2026) explores the word "elicit"—its meaning, usage, etymology, and how it’s often confused with the similar-sounding "illicit." Host Peter Sokolowski breaks down these two words, highlights their distinctions, and offers memorable examples to cement understanding.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Definition and Usage of "Elicit"

• "Elicit" is a verb meaning “to get a response or information from someone.”*
  • "It's a formal word meaning to get a response or information from someone." [00:08]
• Example sentence (from The Denver Post):
  • "Each proud declaration elicited raucous clapping and hooting from the crowd." [00:31]

2. Confusion with "Illicit"

• Both words are homophones (sound alike) and share a similar form when spoken:
  • "Say them fast or even slow in isolation, and no one will know which one you mean." [00:40]
• "Illicit" is an adjective and means “not permitted, especially because it is illegal.”
  • "'Illicit' with an I is an adjective applied to no-nos. It's used to describe things people aren't supposed to do. Something illicit is not permitted, especially because it is illegal." [00:47]

3. Distinctions and Examples

• "Elicit" is a verb, used for drawing out a reaction:
  • "Her on stage antics elicited roars of laughter from the audience." [01:10]
• "Illicit" is an adjective, reserved for forbidden or illegal things.

4. Etymology and Roots

• The words look and sound similar but have distinct origins.
  • "The Latin ancestors of this pair are easy to confuse also. 'Elicit' with an e comes from 'elicitus', 'illicit' with an i comes from 'illicitus'." [01:15]
• Going further back:
  • "'Elicit'...traces back beyond elicit-us to 'lacere,' meaning to allure, while 'illicitus' with an I comes ultimately from 'licere,' meaning to be permitted." [01:28]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the confusion:

  "Say them fast or even slow in isolation, and no one will know which one you mean."
  — Peter Sokolowski [00:40]

• On usage:

  "'Elicit' with an e is a verb most often used to talk about calling forth or drawing out a response or reaction from someone, as in 'her on stage antics elicited roars of laughter from the audience.'"
  — Peter Sokolowski [01:08]

• On etymology:

  "'Elicit'...traces back beyond 'elicitus' to 'lacere,' meaning to allure, while 'illicitus' with an I comes ultimately from 'licere,' meaning to be permitted."
  — Peter Sokolowski [01:28]

Timestamps of Key Segments

• 00:08: Definition and meaning of "elicit"
• 00:31: Example sentence from Denver Post illustrating "elicit"
• 00:40: Discussion on confusion between "elicit" and "illicit"
• 00:47: Definition of "illicit"
• 01:08: Usage and further example of "elicit"
• 01:15: Latin roots and linguistic background
• 01:28: Deeper etymology and ultimate origins of both words

Summary

This episode provides a nuanced exploration into the word "elicit," clearly differentiating it from the commonly confused "illicit." Through memorable examples, etymological breakdown, and Peter Sokolowski’s engaging narrative, listeners walk away with not just the definition, but a lasting understanding of usage, context, and history of both words.