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Solicited Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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solicited

[səˈlɪsɪtɪd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

request made

To solicit means to ask for or try to obtain something from someone. It often refers to seeking donations, business, or information, typically in a formal manner.

Synonyms

asked for, begged, peddled, requested.

Examples of usage

  • She solicited feedback from her team on the new project.
  • The charity solicited donations for the homeless.
  • He solicited advice before making a big decision.
Context #2 | Verb

business context

In a business context, soliciting can refer to actively seeking clients or customers for services or products. This might involve marketing techniques or direct sales approaches.

Synonyms

approach, court, importune, seek.

Examples of usage

  • The sales team solicited new clients at the trade show.
  • They solicited bids from various contractors for the project.
  • She solicited support from local businesses for the event.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Legal Context

  • In legal terms, soliciting often refers to requesting someone to commit an illegal act, like solicitation of prostitution.
  • Lawyers are often referred to as solicitors, representing clients who have solicited their expertise in legal matters.
  • Rules for soliciting differ by region, with some being more strict about door-to-door or phone solicitations.

Psychology

  • Soliciting can trigger feelings in the person being asked, ranging from annoyance to willingness, affecting interpersonal dynamics.
  • Research shows that the way a request is phrased can significantly influence whether someone chooses to help.
  • People often respond better to solicitations that are seen as fair and reasonable rather than pushy or aggressive.

Business

  • In marketing, solicited proposals are requests for proposals sent to specific vendors, fostering competition for business.
  • The act of solicitation in business is essential for sales, where professionals seek potential clients for their services or products.
  • Effective solicitation strategies can greatly enhance customer engagement and increase conversion rates.

Cultural References

  • Solicitation is a common theme in literature and film, often as characters navigate moral dilemmas or seek help.
  • Songs and art sometimes address the nature of solicitation, exploring its ethical implications in society.
  • In many cultures, respectful solicitation is preferred, as it reflects a balance between assertiveness and courtesy.

Origin of 'solicited'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'sollicitare', meaning to stir up or disturb.
  • It first appeared in English in the late 14th century, originally referring to a request or petition.
  • Related words like 'solicit' and 'solicitation' have roots in the same Latin term, reflecting a common theme of seeking action.

The word 'solicit' originates from the Latin word 'sollicitare', which means 'to disturb' or 'to agitate'. The prefix 'sol-' signifies 'from or away', while 'citare' means 'to call' or 'to set in motion'. The term evolved through Old French as 'soliciter' before entering the English language in the late 14th century. Initially, it carried a neutral connotation of asking or requesting. Over the years, the word has gained various implications, particularly in legal and business contexts, where it may indicate more aggressive forms of solicitation, sometimes even linked to the notion of solicitation for immoral purposes. Today, 'solicited' is broadly used in various contexts, from marketing to legal requests.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,935, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.