WordValeelicit
to draw out a response or reaction
In more detail
to bring out or draw forth information, a response, or a reaction from someone, especially when it is not given easily or willingly
Examples
- The teacher's questions elicited thoughtful answers from the students.
- The comedian's jokes elicited laughter from the audience.
How to use elicit
Elicit is typically used in formal or academic contexts to describe deliberately bringing out something that is concealed, reluctant, or difficult to obtain. It emphasizes active effort and often implies that the information or response would not emerge naturally without intervention. It is more formal than 'get' or 'bring out' and carries a sense of skillful extraction.
Common phrases
- elicit a response
- elicit information
- elicit a reaction
- elicit the truth
- elicit support
Synonyms
extract · draw out · evoke · educe · coax
Word family
elicitation (noun) · elicit (verb)
A common mistake
Learners often confuse elicit with illicit (meaning illegal); elicit is a verb meaning to draw forth, while illicit is an adjective meaning unlawful.
Save this word in WordVale and it comes back for review right before you'd forget it — with pronunciation, real examples, and optional translations. One purchase, no subscription.
Get WordValeFREE 7-DAY TRIAL · iPHONE & iPAD