Elicit or Illicit Close but Different

My spouse often chuckles when I pronounce a word wrong, or use it wrong in a sentence. Our first few years of dating, he would correct my notes to him. Those actions were hard on my self-confidence, although it most likely improved my grammar and spelling. I still have self-doubt; I worry about my writing, comments, or posts.

Writing and grammar have been my nemesis all my life, I can honestly say that computers have been my savior. There are errors with my writing even when using spelling and grammar checkers. Computers don’t help with my lazy pronunciation however, some words I’ve butchered for so long I’ve forgotten how to say them correctly.

The fault is all mine for these errors irregardless of the difficulties with the english language; regardless of dearest hubby and his help. My first thought, when reviewing the prompt word of the day, was how different a letter makes.

The daily word prompt is a tool which triggers the thought process to assist with writer’s block or spark creativity. Today’s word has me working through the differences between elicit and illicit; rolling the words over my tongue, learning the nuances between them.

I’ll end this post with the definition by Merriam-Webster of both words. I’ll have these words on my mind during the day as I mull over the process. I’ll avoid illicit jokes that could elicit chuckles or horror from those to which I’m speaking. Perhaps later, as hubby and I snuggle in for the night, I’ll whisper something illicit in hopes of eliciting some relaxing behavior.

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