elicited
C1Formal, Academic, Professional
Definition
Meaning
Past tense and past participle of 'elicit': To draw out or bring forth a response, information, or reaction from someone or something.
To evoke, bring to light, or obtain something latent, hidden, or potential through questioning, stimulation, or a specific action.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies a careful or skillful process of drawing out a specific, often intangible, response. Contrasts with 'force' (coercion) or 'generate' (creating anew).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The verb 'elicit' is equally common in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral, with a formal or precise connotation in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more common in academic/professional writing than in casual conversation in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] elicited [Object] from [Source][Subject] elicited [Object] (by [Action/Stimulus])Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[none specific to the past participle]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in market research: 'The survey elicited valuable customer feedback on the new prototype.'
Academic
Common in research papers: 'The interviews elicited nuanced perspectives on the social phenomenon.'
Everyday
Less common, but possible: 'Her funny story elicited a lot of laughs.'
Technical
Used in psychology/neuroscience: 'The stimulus elicited a measurable neural response.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The detective's careful questioning finally elicited a full confession from the suspect.
- Her presentation elicited a lively discussion amongst the committee members.
American English
- The teacher's prompt elicited several insightful responses from the class.
- The comedian's joke elicited roars of laughter from the audience.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial form. 'Elicitingly' is exceptionally rare and non-standard.]
American English
- [No standard adverbial form.]
adjective
British English
- The elicited responses were catalogued for thematic analysis.
- We reviewed the elicited data from the focus groups.
American English
- The elicited feedback was overwhelmingly positive.
- They analyzed the elicited neural activity patterns.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The question elicited many different answers.
- The funny picture elicited laughter from the children.
- His speech elicited a strong reaction from the crowd.
- The survey was designed to elicit honest opinions.
- The researcher's interview technique successfully elicited detailed personal narratives.
- The policy announcement elicited widespread criticism from opposition parties.
- The poignant film scene elicited a profound sense of empathy among the viewers.
- The new experimental protocol elicited previously unobserved biochemical reactions in the lab samples.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'ELICIT' as 'EXIT + LIGHT' - you bring something out (exit) into the light.
Conceptual Metaphor
INFORMATION/RESPONSE IS A FLUID CONTAINED WITHIN A PERSON; ELICITING IS CAREFULLY DRAWING IT OUT.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'illicit' (незаконный). 'Elicit' is a verb; 'illicit' is an adjective.
- Not a direct equivalent of 'вызвать' in all contexts (can be too forceful).
- Often more precise than 'получить' (obtain), focusing on the method of drawing out.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'illicited'.
- Using it as a noun (e.g., 'an elicit' - incorrect).
- Confusing with 'solicit' (to ask for, often proactively).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best captures the core meaning of 'elicited'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is more common in formal, academic, and professional contexts than in casual conversation.
Both imply obtaining something, but 'extract' often suggests more effort, force, or a physical object (extract a tooth, extract information under pressure). 'Elicit' focuses on drawing out a reaction or intangible information, often through subtle skill.
Yes, it is neutral. You can elicit laughter, praise, support (positive) or criticism, fear, a confession (negative or neutral).
Yes, it's a common pattern: 'He elicited a promise *from* her.' or 'The data was elicited *from* the participants.'