elicit
/ɪˈlɪs.ɪt/To draw out a response, reaction, or piece of information from someone, usually through careful effort or skill. It implies the action is deliberate and purposeful.
- The teacher asked open questions to elicit ideas from students.
- The survey was designed to elicit honest feedback.
- His speech elicited a strong reaction from the crowd.
Adinary Nuance
Elicit, evoke, provoke, and extract all involve bringing something out from someone, but they differ in tone and intent. Elicit is deliberate and skillful — a researcher elicits data, a teacher elicits answers; it sounds controlled and neutral. Evoke is more passive and emotional — a song evokes a memory without trying to. Provoke is stronger and often negative; it suggests triggering an unintended or forceful reaction. Extract implies effort against resistance, as in extracting a confession. In academic and IELTS writing, elicit is the safest and most precise choice when you mean "carefully draw out."
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- Gợi ra
- Spanish
- Suscitar
- Chinese
- 引出
- Japanese
- 引き出す
- Korean
- 이끌어내다
Etymology
From Latin *elicere*, meaning "to draw out" or "to entice," formed from *e-* (out) and *lacere* (to allure). The word entered English in the mid-17th century, primarily in formal and scholarly use.
Common phrases
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between 'elicit' and 'evoke'?
- 'Elicit' is deliberate — you actively try to draw out a response, often through questions or technique. 'Evoke' is more passive and emotional — a smell or memory evokes a feeling without effort.
- Is 'elicit' a formal word?
- Yes, it is mostly formal and academic. It appears often in research writing, teaching contexts, and IELTS essays. In casual speech, people are more likely to say 'get a response' or 'bring out'.
- Is 'elicit' the same as 'illicit'?
- No — these are completely different words. 'Elicit' (with an 'e') is a verb meaning to draw out. 'Illicit' (with an 'i') is an adjective meaning illegal or forbidden. This is a very common spelling mistake.
- How do I use 'elicit' in an IELTS essay?
- Use it when describing how something causes a reaction or response. For example: 'The campaign elicited widespread public debate.' It sounds precise and academic, which is ideal for IELTS Task 2.