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Meaning of the Word
Elicit means to draw out or bring forth a response, reaction, or information, typically through questioning, prompting, or other forms of communication.

Definitions and Meaning in English

1. To draw out a response or reaction from someone.
2. To bring forth or provoke information, a particular behavior, or an emotional reaction.
3. To cause someone to reveal something, such as an opinion or a feeling, often through indirect means.
4. To extract or obtain something, such as knowledge or a response, especially in a thoughtful or deliberate way.

History and Origin
The word “elicit” comes from the Latin elicere, meaning “to draw out” or “to lure out,” which is derived from e- (out) and licere (to entice or allure). The term has been in use since the 17th century and has maintained its focus on the concept of drawing something out, whether it be a response, feeling, or information. Over time, it has come to be used in various contexts, from everyday conversations to academic, legal, and psychological fields.

Detailed Explanation
Elicit is a verb used to describe the act of drawing out something, especially a response, reaction, or piece of information. In many cases, elicitation occurs through deliberate questioning, prompting, or interacting with someone in a way that encourages them to express themselves or reveal something they might not have volunteered initially. For example, a teacher might elicit answers from students during a lesson, or a researcher might elicit detailed responses in an interview. The process of eliciting something often involves creating the right environment or asking the right questions to provoke a desired outcome, whether it’s an opinion, feeling, or fact.

Example Sentences

1. The interviewer used open-ended questions to elicit detailed responses from the participants.
2. The comedian’s jokes successfully elicited laughter from the audience.
3. The detective tried to elicit the truth from the suspect through careful questioning.
4. Her speech elicited strong emotions from the crowd, drawing applause and cheers.
5. The teacher’s probing questions helped to elicit deeper thinking from the students.
6. The new policy is expected to elicit a variety of responses from the community.
7. His heartfelt apology elicited forgiveness from those he had wronged.
8. The advertisement was designed to elicit curiosity and prompt consumers to learn more.
9. The emotional scene in the movie elicited tears from many viewers.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Draw out: To encourage someone to reveal something, similar to eliciting a response.
2. Evoke: To bring about or cause a reaction, feeling, or response, closely related to eliciting.
3. Provoke: To stimulate a reaction, often intentionally, through words or actions.
4. Extract: To carefully obtain or draw out information or a response, often used in research or interviews.
5. Generate: To cause or produce something, such as a response, often through external actions or prompts.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Inquiry: The process of seeking information or responses, often through eliciting.
2. Prompt: To encourage or stimulate someone to provide a response or information, often used in elicitation.
3. Questioning: The act of asking questions, typically to elicit information or a response.
4. Feedback: Information or reactions provided in response to an action or request, which can be elicited.
5. React: To respond or reply to a stimulus, often the result of an eliciting action.

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. Interrogate: To question thoroughly and aggressively, often used to elicit specific information.
2. Solicit: To ask for something, such as information or a response, in a more formal or direct manner.
3. Interview: A conversation where questions are asked to elicit responses, typically to gather information.
4. Survey: A method of collecting information, often designed to elicit answers from a large group.
5. Engage: To involve someone in a way that encourages them to provide a response or reaction, similar to eliciting.

Antonyms

1. Suppress: To prevent or restrain something from being revealed or expressed, the opposite of eliciting.
2. Conceal: To hide or keep something secret, opposed to drawing it out.
3. Ignore: To disregard or fail to engage, preventing any response from being elicited.
4. Repress: To hold back or restrain emotions, thoughts, or reactions, preventing them from being elicited.
5. Block: To prevent or obstruct a response or reaction, the opposite of eliciting.