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elicit

Pronunciation: /ɪˈlɪsɪt/

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Definition of elicit

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'

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).

elicit in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of elicit in the US English dictionary
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