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Question

Directions : In the following questions a particular word is provided. Four sentences have been framed using the word (in different tense forms), only one of which makes use of the word correctly. Select the correct option and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

Illicit

This question was previously asked in
CDS 2 2025 Maths Question Paper (14-Sep-2025)
The correct answer is
Illicit trading in liquor became profitable during the prohibition.

Illicit Word Usage Explanation

The question asks to identify the sentence where the word "Illicit" is used correctly. This often involves distinguishing it from a similar-sounding word, "elicit". Let's understand the meaning of both words.

Understanding the Word: Illicit

Illicit is an adjective that means something is forbidden by law, rules, or custom; it is illegal or disapproved of.

  • Meaning: Illegal, unlawful, forbidden.
  • Example: Illicit drugs are illegal substances.

Distinguishing from Elicit

The word "elicit" (and its past tense "elicited") sounds similar but has a completely different meaning. "Elicit" is a verb meaning to draw out or bring forth a response, answer, or fact.

  • Meaning (Elicit): To evoke, obtain, or draw out.
  • Meaning (Elicited): Past tense of elicit.
  • Example: His question elicited a surprising answer.

Many of the incorrect options use variations of "elicit" incorrectly or use "illicit" where "elicit" is needed.

Analyzing the Options

Option 1: Incorrect Usage

Sentence: The police put out a notice to illicit more information from the public.

Analysis: This sentence needs a verb meaning "to draw out". The correct word is "elicit". "Illicit" means illegal and doesn't fit the context of drawing out information. Therefore, this usage is incorrect.

Option 2: Correct Usage

Sentence: Illicit trading in liquor became profitable during the prohibition.

Analysis: "Prohibition" refers to a period when the making, selling, and transporting of alcohol were legally forbidden. "Illicit trading" means illegal trading, which perfectly describes trading activities during such a period. The word "illicit" is used correctly here as an adjective describing the trading.

Option 3: Incorrect Usage

Sentence: The offer for new residential areas illicited a lukewarm response.

Analysis: Similar to option 1, this sentence requires the past tense of the verb "elicit" (to draw out). The word "illicited" is misspelled and misused; the correct word should be "elicited". "Illicit" (illegal) does not fit the context of a response to an offer.

Option 4: Incorrect Usage

Sentence: The news of the earthquake illicited a massive outpouring of help for the victims.

Analysis: This sentence also needs the past tense of the verb "elicit". The news "drew out" or "evoked" help. The word "illicited" is again misspelled and misused. The correct word should be "elicited". "Illicit" is not appropriate here.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis, only sentence 2 uses the word "Illicit" correctly to describe illegal activity within the context of prohibition.

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Similar Questions

  1. Insuperable

  2. Incite

  3. S1: The moribund state of the decaying colony depressed everyone.
    S2: The strength of the collective remained moribund despite attempts at scuttling unity.
    S3: Driven by a common purpose, the moribund group decided it would prevail notwithstanding the adverseness of the situation.

  4. S1: It was quotidian on account of the courtiers to take great pains to maintain the dignity of the ailing monarch.
    S2: The rules of conduct of the highest judiciary are quotidian principles on which rest the very foundations of justice and democracy.
    S3: His quotidian life is, contrary to what people think, rather unexciting.

  5. S1: The Gangetic plains are blessed with historically-significant fecundity on account of its rich soil. 
    S2: The couple sought blessings at the temple that was believed to possess the power to transform childlessness into fecundity. 
    S3: The grass across the prairies made the landscape appear particularly fecund, with cattle grazing by the thousands.

  6. Truism, Altruism

    1. That one has to reap what one sows is a truism.
    2. The altruism uttered by the seer covered the higher levels of spiritual knowledge.

  7. S1: The cuneiform pattern in the arch of the temples give them a grand appearance. 
    S2: Cuneiform literally means wedge-shaped, and is an ancient form of writing on clay. 
    S3: Cuneiform-shaped geographical features across the desert bear the mark of vigorous wind erosion.

  8. Amoral

  9. The officer under suspension felt intimated by the committee members during his interrogation regarding the allegations against him.

  10. Amongst them all, she was the only one with the perquisite to understand the complexity of the situation.


Important Questions from Correct Usage of Word

  1. Directions: Given below is a word, followed by three sentences that consist of that word. Identify the sentence(s) that express(es) the meaning of the word.

    REVISED

    A. The college has revised its plans because of local objections.

    B. The revised proposal will be presented to the board for discussion at Tuesday's meeting.

    C. The judge was revised in the newspapers for his opinions on rape.

  2. Directions: Given below is a word, followed by three sentences that consist of that word. Identify the sentence(s) that express(es) the meaning of the word.

    DEFY

    A. The brave young woman decided to defy the rules and pursue her dreams.

    B. His actions openly defied the authority of the government.

    C. The officer was convicted for refusing to defy orders

  3. Directions: Given below is a word, followed by three sentences that consist of that word. Identify the sentence(s) that express(es) the meaning of the word.

    HANDLE

    A. She carefully held the handle of the door.

    B. The detective found a crucial piece of evidence with his keen handle on the case.

    C. He couldn't handle the pressure and decided to quit.

  4. Select the option in which the usage of the given word is INCORRECT or INAPPROPRIATE.

    EXPECT

  5. Select the option in which the usage of the given word is INCORRECT or INAPPROPRIATE.

    RIGHT

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