Elicit
/ɪˈlɪsɪt/
Definitions
To draw forth or bring out (something latent or potential) by one's action.
/ɪˈlɪsɪt/
To evoke or draw out a response, answer, or feeling from someone.
The comedian's jokes were designed to elicit laughter from the audience.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to get your friend to tell you a secret. You might ask them questions to *elicit* the information, to pull it out of them.
👶 For kids: To make someone say or do something, like asking a question to get an answer.
More Examples
The detective's clever questions elicited a confession from the suspect.
Her impassioned speech elicited a strong emotional response from the crowd.
The survey was designed to elicit feedback from customers about our new product.
How It's Used
"The therapist used questions to elicit the patient's memories."
"The lawyer attempted to elicit a confession from the suspect."
"The reporter asked questions to elicit a response from the politician."
From Latin *elicere* meaning 'to draw out' or 'to bring forth,' derived from *e-* (out) + *lacere* (to entice, to lure).
The word 'elicit' has been used since the late 16th century to describe the act of drawing out something, such as a response or a feeling. It's usage is consistent over time.
Memory tip
Think of *elicit* as pulling something out, like eliciting information from someone.
Word Origin
"to draw out, bring forth"