Word
soliciting
Phoneticsso·lic·it·ing, stress on the second syllable
US/səˈɫɪsətɪŋ/
UK/səlˈɪsɪtɪŋ/
Definition
v. to ask someone for something, such as money, help, or information. You often see this word in business or legal situations.
v. to request or entreat someone for something, such as assistance, information, or financial contributions. Often carries a formal or professional tone; in legal contexts, it may refer specifically to offering services for sale or requesting immoral acts.
Examples
“The charity is soliciting donations for the new hospital.”
“The committee spent the afternoon soliciting feedback from local residents regarding the proposed park renovations.”
“By soliciting expert testimony from various fields, the investigative team ensured that their final report would be both comprehensive and scientifically sound.”
Examples
simple
“The charity is soliciting donations for the new hospital.”
contextual
“The committee spent the afternoon soliciting feedback from local residents regarding the proposed park renovations.”
complex
“By soliciting expert testimony from various fields, the investigative team ensured that their final report would be both comprehensive and scientifically sound.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and typically takes a direct object representing the thing being requested.
Pitfall
soliciting for donations
soliciting donations
Solicit is a transitive verb; it takes the object directly without the preposition 'for'.
Real-World Examples
“He was convicted in 2008 of soliciting a minor, and he faced sex-trafficking charges at the time of his death in 2019.” “Local police arrested 25 women for soliciting on the beachfront promenade a week before the ship arrived.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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