1
Draw out information
Prompt someone to provide details through questioning or observation.
Example
Open-ended questions elicited detailed responses.
elicit
/ɪˈlɪsɪt/ · ih-LISS-itverb
To evoke or draw out a response, reaction, or information.
Use elicit when a question, image, event, or method causes information, emotion, or behaviour to emerge.
What elicit Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Evoke a reaction
Cause an emotional or behavioural response.
Example
The photograph elicited strong reactions from viewers.
3
Produce evidence
Generate a measurable response under experimental conditions.
Example
The stimulus elicited activity in the targeted brain region.
Use elicit Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The photograph elicited strong reactions from viewers.
The interviewer used follow-up questions to elicit specific examples.
The treatment elicited no measurable response in the control group.
Precision Matters
Elicit overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
elicit
vs.Often draws out information or a specific response.
evoke
Often brings a feeling, memory, or image to mind.
elicit
vs.Causes a response to emerge.
evince
Reveals an underlying quality already present.
elicit
vs.Usually prompts a response through a question or stimulus.
induce
More broadly causes a state or action.
elicit
vs.Focuses on successfully drawing something out.
solicit
Focuses on requesting or seeking something.
Test elicit in Context
The prompts are intended to draw out fuller responses.
1
Instead of asking questions answerable with yes or no, the interviewer used open-ended prompts to ___ detailed accounts of participants' experiences.