Word
solicitor
Phoneticsso·lic·i·tor, stress on the second syllable
US/səˈɫɪsətɝ/
UK/səlˈɪsɪtɐ/
Definitions
01legal professional
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Law British English
n. a lawyer who gives legal advice, prepares documents, and manages cases for clients.
n. a qualified legal practitioner who provides legal advice and handles documentation, typically representing clients in lower courts or instructing barristers for higher courts.
“We had to hire a solicitor to help us with the paperwork for our new house.”
“The family instructed a solicitor to draft a new will and ensure all assets were correctly distributed according to the latest tax regulations.”
Usage
In the UK, solicitors handle general legal work, while barristers represent clients in higher courts.
Pitfall
I need to see a solicitor for my surgery.
I need to see a surgeon for my surgery.
A solicitor is a lawyer, not a medical doctor.
Teaching tip
Learners should distinguish this from 'barrister'. In many countries, one person does both jobs, but the UK maintains a split profession.
02salesperson or canvasser
C1 · Advanced Countable noun American English
n. someone who tries to get money, help, or business from people, often by visiting their homes.
n. a person who approaches others with the intent of selling goods, requesting donations, or seeking political support.
“There is a sign on the door that says 'No Solicitors' to stop salespeople from knocking.”
“The neighborhood was frequently visited by solicitors for various charities, each hoping to secure monthly donations from the local residents.”
Usage
Often seen in the phrase 'No Solicitors' on signs outside homes or businesses.
Teaching tip
In the US, this word is rarely used for a lawyer and often has a slightly negative or annoying connotation related to unwanted sales calls.
Synonyms
03government legal officer
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Law Formal · American English
n. a high-ranking government official who deals with legal matters.
n. the chief law officer of a government department or municipality, responsible for representing the public interest in legal proceedings.
“The Solicitor General represented the government before the Supreme Court.”
“The city solicitor was tasked with reviewing the new zoning ordinances to ensure they complied with state regulations.”
Synonyms
04one who asks for something
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Formal
n. a person who asks for or tries to obtain something from others.
n. one who solicits; a person who makes a request or plea for something, such as support or information.
“He was a frequent solicitor of favors from his wealthy relatives.”
“The organization acted as a solicitor of public opinion, gathering data to influence the upcoming legislative session.”
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “solicitor” in context.
Verb
01. act as a solicitor
“She has been qualified to act as a solicitor in the High Court for over a decade.”
verb + prep + noun
02. consult a solicitor
“You should consult a solicitor before signing any legally binding contracts.”
verb + noun
03. instruct a solicitor
“The family decided to instruct a solicitor to handle the probate process.”
verb + noun
Adjective
04. practising solicitor
“He is a practising solicitor specializing in intellectual property law.”
adj + noun
05. senior solicitor
“The senior solicitor oversaw the complex merger between the two corporations.”
adj + noun
Noun
06. firm of solicitors
“They hired a prestigious firm of solicitors to represent them during the inquiry.”
noun + of + noun
07. solicitor's fees
“We had to budget carefully to cover the solicitor's fees for the house purchase.”
noun + noun
Preposition
08. through a solicitor
“All correspondence regarding the divorce must be conducted through a solicitor.”
prep + noun
Real-World Examples
“The president of the Law Society of Ireland has said the organisation lacks the authority to assign solicitors to defendants, in response to a judge who suggested emergency cover amid ongoing industrial action.” “A duty solicitor requested some time to talk to the mother, who appeared exhausted as the representative for the county council set out the charges against her.” Etymology
From Middle French soliciteur. By surface analysis, solicit + -or.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- 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
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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