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.