elicit

Everyday

To get a reaction, answer or information from someone, often by asking questions or doing something. tree →

In the lessons

In school, teachers ask questions to elicit ideas from the class. In stories, a joke may elicit a laugh, and a sad scene may elicit tears. In science, a stimulus elicits a response. Phrases: «elicit a response», «elicit information», «elicit a smile».

Examples

• The clown's trick elicited laughter from the children. tree →
• The teacher's question elicited many good answers. tree →
• The police tried to elicit information from the witness. tree →
• His sad story elicited sympathy. tree →
• A loud noise elicits a jump from most people. tree →
• Her joke failed to elicit even a smile. tree →

Note

Formal word. Trap: «elicit» (to draw out) sounds like «illicit» (illegal, not allowed). Regular verb: elicit, elicited. Pronounced «ee-LIS-it».