Soliciting Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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soliciting
[səˈlɪsɪtɪŋ ]
Definitions
business
Asking someone for something, typically money or information, in a persistent or annoying way.
Synonyms
ask for, petition, request, seek.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| soliciting |
Commonly used in formal or professional settings to refer to asking for something, often related to money, support, or participation. Can have a negative connotation when referring to persistent or unwelcome requests.
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| request |
Used in both formal and informal situations, but slightly more formal than 'ask for.' It indicates a polite or official asking.
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| seek |
Often used in more formal or literary contexts to describe looking for or trying to obtain something. It can imply a prolonged or serious effort.
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| ask for |
Used in everyday, informal speech to request something directly from someone. It’s the most straightforward and versatile option.
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| petition |
Often used in legal or formal contexts where a formal request is made, usually in writing, to an authority. Typically involves a collective effort.
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Examples of usage
- He kept soliciting donations from his coworkers for his charity marathon.
- The company was accused of soliciting personal data from its users without their consent.
legal
Seeking something from someone, especially contributions or votes for a cause, typically through formal or official channels.
Synonyms
invite, petition, request, seek.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| seek |
When looking for something or trying to obtain something, often used in a broader context of searching or striving.
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| request |
Used for politely or formally asking for something.
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| petition |
Used when formally asking for something, usually through a signed document, often for legal or civic purposes.
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| invite |
When you want to ask someone to join an event, meeting, or gathering in a friendly or formal manner.
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Examples of usage
- The politician was caught soliciting bribes from local businesses.
- The organization is soliciting support for its upcoming event.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Legal Context
- In many jurisdictions, soliciting can refer to illegal acts like prostitution, where one person asks another for sexual services.
- Soliciting donations for charity is also common, and non-profits often rely on solicitations to fund their missions.
Social Interactions
- In human interactions, soliciting is often polite; people use it to make requests in a respectful way, like asking for advice or help.
- Marketing strategies often involve soliciting feedback from customers to improve products and services.
Cultural Perspectives
- In some cultures, soliciting help from others is seen as a strong community bond, while in others it might be deemed a sign of weakness.
- The approach to soliciting can vary widely across cultures; some may prioritize direct requests, while others may favor subtlety.
Psychology
- People often shy away from soliciting help due to fear of rejection, which can affect their mental well-being.
- Research suggests that asking others for help and support can strengthen relationships and enhance social connectedness.
Origin of 'soliciting'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'sollicitare,' meaning 'to stir up' or 'to disturb,' suggesting a proactive approach to requesting.
- It appeared in Middle English as 'soliciten' around the 15th century, initially connected to begging or urging someone to take action.
The word 'soliciting' comes from the Latin word 'solicitare', which means 'to disturb, agitate, or incite'. It first appeared in English in the late 15th century with the meaning of 'to disturb, trouble, or worry'. Over time, the word evolved to its current usage of asking for something in a persistent or formal way.
See also: solicitation, solicitor, solicitors, solicitude, unsolicited.