elicit

/ɪˈlɪsɪt/

Group 9Difficulty 1/3

Definition

(verb)
To evoke or draw out a response, answer, or fact from someone
GRE

Example in Context

The interviewer's patient and non-confrontational approach elicited candid revelations that more aggressive questioning had failed to produce.

Synonyms

draw outextractprovoke

Etymology

From Latin, meaning to draw something out, especially a response.

  • elicere (Latin) — to draw out

Memory Aid

🎤Sounds like “elicit it

When I yell 'ELICIT IT!' at karaoke, I’m trying to draw out the crowd’s applause!

Visual Association

🙋‍♂️A performer on stage coaxing laughter and applause from an enthusiastic audience.

Semantic Clusters

Synonym Groups

Confusable Pairs

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “elicit” mean on the GRE?

elicit (verb) means “To evoke or draw out a response, answer, or fact from someone”. The interviewer's patient and non-confrontational approach elicited candid revelations that more aggressive questioning had failed to produce.

How to remember “elicit” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “elicit” sounds like “elicit it”. When I yell 'ELICIT IT!' at karaoke, I’m trying to draw out the crowd’s applause!

What are synonyms for “elicit”?

Common synonyms: draw out, extract, provoke.