elicit
To draw out a response, answer, or reaction from someone
Examples
In a meeting
“The survey questions are designed to elicit honest feedback from customers.”
Over coffee
“I couldn't elicit any details about the surprise party from her.”
Why this word
draw out
elicit emphasizes skillfully extracting information or response, while draw out is informal and less precise
obtain
elicit suggests carefully bringing forth a response or reaction through questioning or action, while obtain is generic about getting
evoke
elicit implies actively drawing out a specific response (especially verbal), while evoke is about bringing forth feelings or memories
Usage tip
Use when you're drawing out information or reactions, not just asking directly
Etymology
Latin: elicere (e- 'out' + lacere 'entice, deceive')
Get a new word every morning
One precise word per day. Under 60 seconds to read. Free forever.
Related words
broach
To bring up or introduce a topic for discussion
concise
Giving a lot of information clearly in few words.
ambiguous
Open to more than one interpretation; not clear or decided.
convey
To communicate or make an idea, feeling, or meaning known.
reiterate
To say something again for emphasis or clarity.
paraphrase
To restate something in different words to make it clearer or shorter.