Solicit Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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solicit

[səˈlɪsɪt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

business

Ask for or try to obtain (something) from someone.

Synonyms

invite, petition, request, seek.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
solicit	Used when actively and sometimes persistently asking for something, often in a business or legal context. The company was accused of soliciting donations illegally. He solicited her opinion on the matter.
request	Used when asking for something politely or formally. He requested more information about the terms of service. She requested a meeting with the manager.
seek	Used when trying to find or achieve something, often requiring effort or investigation. They are seeking a solution to the problem. She is seeking new opportunities for career growth.
invite	Used when asking someone to attend an event or join an activity in a friendly or formal manner. She invited all her friends to the party. The committee invited him to give a keynote speech.
petition	Used when asking for a formal change or action, often involving a large number of people signing a document. Residents petitioned the city council to improve street lighting. They started a petition to change the school policy.

Examples of usage

He solicited questions from the audience.
She solicited funds for the charity.
The company is soliciting feedback from its customers.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

law

Offer to have sex with (someone) in exchange for payment.

Synonyms

procure, solicit sex.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
solicit	Typically used in professional or formal contexts to mean asking for or trying to obtain something, such as information, money, or help. The charity is looking to solicit donations from the local community. She decided to solicit feedback from her colleagues to improve her report.
procure	Often used in formal or official settings to mean obtaining something, especially something that is difficult to get or requires effort and planning. The company was able to procure the necessary permits to continue construction. He tasked his assistant with procuring tickets for the concert.
solicit sex	Carries a negative connotation and is used to describe the act of asking for or trying to obtain sexual services, often in illegal or unethical circumstances. The police arrested him for attempting to solicit sex from an undercover officer. Reports indicated an increase in efforts to solicit sex online.

Word

Description / Examples

solicit

Typically used in professional or formal contexts to mean asking for or trying to obtain something, such as information, money, or help.

The charity is looking to solicit donations from the local community.
She decided to solicit feedback from her colleagues to improve her report.

procure

Often used in formal or official settings to mean obtaining something, especially something that is difficult to get or requires effort and planning.

The company was able to procure the necessary permits to continue construction.
He tasked his assistant with procuring tickets for the concert.

solicit sex

Carries a negative connotation and is used to describe the act of asking for or trying to obtain sexual services, often in illegal or unethical circumstances.

The police arrested him for attempting to solicit sex from an undercover officer.
Reports indicated an increase in efforts to solicit sex online.

Examples of usage

He was arrested for soliciting a prostitute.
Soliciting prostitution is illegal in many countries.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

legal

The act of asking for or trying to obtain something from someone.

Synonyms

appeal, entreaty, request.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
solicit	Used in formal or legal contexts when seeking something, often with a commercial connotation. It may have a negative connotation when involving persistent or unwelcome actions. The organization will solicit donations during the fundraising event Door-to-door salesmen often solicit business from homeowners
request	General term for asking for something, whether in a formal or informal setting. It does not carry strong emotional or formal implications. She made a request to leave work early You can submit a request for more information online
appeal	Often used in contexts where there is a request for help or support, usually with an emotional or urgent tone. Commonly used in legal or charitable situations. The charity made an urgent appeal for food donations She decided to appeal the court's decision
entreaty	Typically used in a formal or literary context, indicating a sincere or earnest request. It carries a strong sense of pleading or imploring. Despite his entreaties, she refused to change her mind The mother's entreaty for her son's release fell on deaf ears

Examples of usage

The solicitation of donations for the charity was successful.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Law

In legal terms, solicitation can refer to the act of enticing someone to commit a crime, highlighting the serious implications of asking for certain actions.
Some jurisdictions have specific definitions for solicitation, particularly in terms of prostitution or illegal activities, which can carry significant penalties.
The concept emphasizes the fine line between a simple request and an unlawful proposition, marking it as both a social and legal concern.

Psychology

Research shows that soliciting help can enhance social bonds, indicating the importance of asking others for support.
The act of asking for something can also boost the mental well-being of the person asking, leading to better self-esteem and connection with others.
Experts suggest that being able to solicit help is a crucial life skill, impacting personal and professional relationships.

Business

In business, solicitation often occurs in sales, where companies reach out to potential customers or clients to gain business.
Effective solicitation strategies include personalized messages that highlight the value of what’s being offered, aiming to create a win-win situation.
Fundraising campaigns heavily rely on soliciting donations, showcasing how this action is vital for nonprofits and charities.

Cultural References

Songs and literature often depict solicitation in the context of romance, where one person asks another for love or attention.
Popular culture sometimes portrays solicitation in a humorous light, such as in ads or skits that exaggerate the act of trying to get something from others.
The phrase 'soliciting opinions' is commonly used in discussions and social media, emphasizing its relevance in understanding diverse viewpoints.

Origin of 'solicit'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'sollicitare', meaning 'to disturb' or 'to stir up', hinting at the idea of prompting someone.
In the 14th century, it entered Middle English, reflecting the practices of people trying to seek help or favors.
Its original context often referred to 'making anxious requests,' showing the urgency behind the asking.

The word 'solicit' originated from the Latin word 'solicitare', which means 'to disturb' or 'to shake'. Over time, its meaning evolved to include the act of asking for something. The term has been used in various contexts, such as business, law, and charity. In modern usage, 'solicit' is commonly associated with requesting or seeking something, often in a formal or official manner.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,330, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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11327 unlawfully
11328 proportionately
11329 extracting
11330 solicit
11331 whales
11332 workable
11333 simplification
...