verb
Uncommon
elicit
ih-LIH-siht
Elicit (verb) means to draw out a response, reaction, or piece of information from someone, often through careful questioning. Example: “The lawyer's question was designed to elicit a confession.”
verb
1
To draw out a response, reaction, or piece of information from someone, often through careful questioning.
"The lawyer's question was designed to elicit a confession."
"Her joke elicited a round of laughter from the audience."
How to use elicit
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo bring out a reaction, answer, or piece of information from someone.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "illicit," which means illegal — they sound similar but are unrelated in meaning.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
elicit a response
elicit information
elicit a reaction
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- elicits
- Past tense
- elicited
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The lawyer's question was designed to _____ a confession.
Etymology
From Latin ēliciō, meaning "to draw forth."
Related words
Rhymes for elicit
See all rhymes for elicit →Frequently asked questions
What does “elicit” mean?
The word “elicit” means to draw out a response, reaction, or piece of information from someone, often through careful questioning. In plain terms, to bring out a reaction, answer, or piece of information from someone.
How do you pronounce “elicit”?
“Elicit” is pronounced ih-LIH-siht (/ɪˈlɪsɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “elicit” in a sentence?
Here is “elicit” used in a sentence: “The lawyer's question was designed to elicit a confession.”
What part of speech is “elicit”?
“Elicit” is a verb.
Where does the word “elicit” come from?
The word “elicit” comes from Latin. From Latin ēliciō, meaning "to draw forth.".
Is “elicit” a common word?
“Elicit” is an uncommon word in modern English.
