Elicit Meaning and Definition
Elicit
Pronunciation
/ɪˈlɪsɪt/
Part of Speech
Verb
Definition
Elicit means to draw out or bring forth a reaction, response, or piece of information from someone or something.
Examples
1. “The comedian’s jokes were designed to elicit laughter from the audience.”
2. “The survey aimed to elicit honest feedback from customers about their experience.”
Synonyms
1. Evoke
2. Provoke
3. Extract
Antonyms
1. Suppress
2. Conceal
3. Withhold
Additional Information
Elicit is a versatile verb that can be used in various contexts, including psychology, marketing, and everyday conversation. It is often used to describe the process of obtaining information, feedback, or a specific response from someone or something. In psychology, elicit refers to the process of drawing out a response or behavior from a person or animal. In marketing, elicit is used to describe the process of gathering feedback or data from customers. In everyday conversation, elicit can be used to describe the process of getting a laugh, a smile, or a reaction from someone.
Elicit can also be used in a more literal sense, such as eliciting a confession or eliciting a promise. In this sense, elicit implies a sense of effort or persuasion. For example, “The detective tried to elicit a confession from the suspect, but he remained silent.”
Overall, elicit is a useful verb that can be used to describe a wide range of situations and contexts. It is a word that can add depth and nuance to your language, and can be used to convey complex ideas and emotions in a clear and concise way.
Etymology
The word “elicit” comes from the Latin word “elicere,” which means “to draw out” or “to bring forth.” This Latin word is a combination of “e-” (meaning “out”) and “licere” (meaning “to draw”). The verb “elicit” has been used in English since the 15th century, and has evolved over time to encompass a wide range of meanings and uses.
Usage Notes
Elicit is often used in formal or professional contexts, such as in psychology, marketing, or education. However, it can also be used in informal contexts, such as in everyday conversation or in creative writing. When using elicit, be sure to choose the correct verb tense and subject-verb agreement to convey the intended meaning.
For example, “The teacher elicits responses from her students during class discussion” (present tense) or “The survey elicited honest feedback from customers” (past tense).
Cultural References
Elicit has been used in various cultural references, including literature, film, and music. For example, in the novel “1984” by George Orwell, the character of Winston Smith tries to elicit a response from his lover, Julia. In the film “The Silence of the Lambs,” the FBI trainee Clarice Starling tries to elicit information from the brilliant but terrifying serial killer, Hannibal Lecter. In music, the song “Elicit” by the band “Rise Against” explores the theme of eliciting a reaction or response from someone.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Elicit is often used in idiomatic expressions or phrases, such as:
“Elicit a response” (to draw out a reaction or answer)
“Elicit a confession” (to obtain a confession or admission)
“Elicit a promise” (to obtain a commitment or guarantee)
Collocations
Elicit is often used in combination with other words or phrases, such as:
“Elicit a response from someone” (to draw out a reaction or answer)
“Elicit information from a source” (to obtain data or facts)
“Elicit a confession from a suspect” (to obtain an admission or guarantee)
Frequency of Use
Elicit is a moderately common verb that is used in a variety of contexts. According to the Corpus of Contemporary American English, elicit is ranked #1366 in terms of frequency of use.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings of elicit include:
“Eliot” (instead of “elicit”)
“Elicate” (instead of “elicit”)
“Ellicit” (instead of “elicit”)