elicit
ih-LISS-it
/iˈlɪs.ɪt/
To draw out or evoke a reaction, answer, or emotion from someone.
Implies drawing out something latent or hidden through a specific prompt or trigger.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'elicitus', past participle of 'elicere', composed of 'ex-' (out) and 'lacere' (to lure or entice). The underlying idea is gently coaxing or enticing something out of hiding into the open.
Word relationships
- evoke: Evoke calls up memories or feelings naturally; elicit often implies active drawing out using a trigger.
- extract: Extract implies forcefully pulling something out; elicit implies drawing it out skillfully.
- suppress: Suppress holds down or stops a response from coming out.
- stifle: Stifle suffocates or prevents an emotional outburst.
Commonly confused with
- illicit: Elicit is a verb meaning to draw out; illicit is an adjective meaning forbidden or illegal.
Word family
- elicitation (noun): The act of drawing out or coaxing forth.
Collocations
- elicit a response
- elicit feedback
- elicit sympathy
- elicit information
Idioms & expressions
- draw out
Example sentences
- "The researcher designed the test specifically to elicit genuine emotional reactions rather than polite answers." Psychology
- "Harper Lee's 'To Kill a Mockingbird' continues to elicit deep empathy from readers worldwide." Literature
Memory hook
E-LICIT sounds like lure out with DELICATE care. Lure out a response.
When not to use
Do not confuse spelling with 'illicit' (illegal). Elicit is always a verb.
Fun facts
- In classical conditioning, unconditioned stimuli 'elicit' automatic reflexes, while operant behaviors are 'emitted' voluntarily by organisms!
Related words
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.