elicit

 
Pronunciation: /ɪˈlɪsɪt/

verb (elicits, eliciting, elicited)

[with object]
  • evoke or draw out (a reaction, answer, or fact) from someone: I tried to elicit a smile from Joanna the work elicited enormous public interest
  • archaic draw forth (something that is latent or potential) into existence: a corrupt heart elicits in an hour all that is bad in us

Derivatives

elicitation

Pronunciation: /-ˈteɪʃ(ə)n/
noun

elicitor

noun

Origin:

mid 17th century: from Latin elicit- 'drawn out by trickery or magic', from the verb elicere, from e- (variant of ex-) 'out' + lacere 'entice, deceive'

Elicit is sometimes confused with illicit because both words are pronounced the same way (/i-liss-it/). Elicit is a verb meaning ‘to extract (an answer, admission, etc.)’ whereas illicit is an adjective meaning ‘unlawful, forbidden’, as in illicit drinking.

Do not confuse illicit with elicit. Illicit means 'not allowed by law or rules' ( illicit drugs), whereas elicit means 'draw out a reply or reaction' ( I tried to elicit a smile from Joe).