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Elicit: meaning, definitions and examples

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elicit

 

[ɪˈlɪsɪt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

conversation

To evoke or draw out (a response, answer, or fact) from someone in reaction to one's own actions or questions.

Synonyms

derive, extract, obtain.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
elicit

Used when trying to provoke a response or gather information from someone, often through questioning or prompting.

  • The teacher tried to elicit answers from the students.
  • His jokes were meant to elicit laughter from the audience.
extract

Typically used when removing something from a larger whole, often by force or with effort. Often used in medical or scientific contexts.

  • The dentist extracted the tooth.
  • They managed to extract key data from the report.
derive

Used when something is obtained or comes from a specific source, often after some form of calculation or reasoning.

  • Many English words derive from Latin.
  • She derived great satisfaction from her work.
obtain

Used in a general sense when acquiring or getting something through effort or request.

  • She managed to obtain a copy of the report.
  • It is difficult to obtain a visa for travel.

Examples of usage

  • She tried to elicit a response from the shy student by asking him questions.
  • The detective elicited a confession from the suspect after hours of interrogation.
Context #2 | Verb

emotions

To evoke or bring out (a reaction or emotional response) from someone.

Synonyms

arouse, provoke, trigger.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
elicit

Best used when trying to draw out a response, reaction, or piece of information from someone in a careful or intentional manner.

  • The teacher's question was designed to elicit thoughtful responses from the students
  • The survey aims to elicit honest feedback from customers
provoke

Commonly used when describing actions that cause someone to react, often in an angry or defensive way. This word has a negative connotation.

  • His rude comments were intended to provoke a reaction from his opponent
  • The unfair treatment provoked widespread outrage among the workers
arouse

Often used when referring to stirring up emotions, feelings, or senses, especially in a passionate or intense way.

  • The movie's emotional scenes are sure to arouse intense feelings in the audience
  • His speech managed to arouse a sense of excitement and motivation among the crowd
trigger

Typically used when something causes a particular event or reaction, often unexpectedly or suddenly. While not always negative, it can be used in contexts that describe negative emotional reactions.

  • The news article triggered a heated debate on social media
  • Loud noises can sometimes trigger anxiety in people with PTSD

Examples of usage

  • The sad movie elicited tears from the audience.
  • His speech elicited a feeling of hope and inspiration among the listeners.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'elicit' comes from the Latin 'elicere', meaning 'to draw out or attract'.
  • The root 'lice' in Latin indicates a subtle pulling or drawing action, emphasizing the act of getting something to surface.

Psychology

  • In therapy, specific questions are used to elicit feelings or memories to help individuals understand their emotions.
  • Eliciting responses in psychological testing can reveal cognitive biases that affect decision-making.

Education

  • Teachers often use questioning techniques to elicit student responses, promoting engagement and critical thinking.
  • Eliciting prior knowledge from students helps them connect new information to what they already understand.

Communication

  • Elicit questions are open-ended, encouraging people to express detailed thoughts rather than simple yes or no answers.
  • Effective negotiation often involves eliciting the other party’s true interests to find common ground.

Literature

  • Authors skillfully elicit emotional responses from readers through vivid imagery and compelling characters.
  • In storytelling, creating suspense can elicit anticipation and excitement, drawing readers deeper into the narrative.

Translations

Translations of the word "elicit" in other languages:

🇵🇹 obter

🇮🇳 प्रकट करना

🇩🇪 hervorrufen

🇮🇩 memunculkan

🇺🇦 викликати

🇵🇱 wywołać

🇯🇵 引き出す (ひきだす)

🇫🇷 obtenir

🇪🇸 obtener

🇹🇷 elde etmek

🇰🇷 끌어내다

🇸🇦 استنباط

🇨🇿 vyvolat

🇸🇰 vyvolať

🇨🇳 引出 (yǐnchū)

🇸🇮 izvleči

🇮🇸 draga fram

🇰🇿 шақыру

🇬🇪 გამოწვევა

🇦🇿 çıxarmaq

🇲🇽 obtener

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,833, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.