elicit

What does “elicit” mean?

verb.to evoke or draw out (a response, answer, or fact) from someone in reaction to one's own actions or questions.

SAT Usage

this term often appears in contexts related to psychology, communication, or research, emphasizing the act of drawing out information or feelings from individuals. It implies a purposeful interaction, highlighting the skill of prompting responses rather than simply waiting for them, which distinguishes it from similar words like "obtain" that lack this nuance of active engagement.

Common Confusions

Elicit implies actively drawing out a response or information from someone, while obtain usually suggests simply acquiring something without the interactive effort.

Example Sentences

• The professor's pointed question elicited a thoughtful response from the class.

• The detective decided to elicit the suspect about their whereabouts.

Word Parts: How to Remember “elicit”

Break “elicit” into its parts: ex- (out of, from). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.

• Prefix: ex- out of, from (Latin)