# elicit

/ɪˈɫɪsɪt/ (US) · /ɪlˈɪsɪt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/elicit
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

to get a reaction, an answer, or information from someone. You use this when you do something to make a specific response happen.

For teachers: to evoke or draw out a response, answer, or fact from someone in reaction to one's own actions or questions.

## Examples

- The teacher's joke failed to elicit a laugh from the students.
- The detective used a series of open-ended questions to elicit more details about the suspect's whereabouts.
- The proposed changes to the local park elicited a wave of public protest, forcing the council to reconsider their development strategy.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and requires a direct object, typically an abstract noun like 'response', 'reaction', or 'information'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.