solicit
B2Formal / Business / Legal
Definition
Meaning
To formally ask for or try to obtain something (money, help, support, business) from someone.
To make a formal or persistent request; to approach someone with a request, offer, or appeal; in legal contexts, to entice or encourage someone to do something, especially something illegal.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The verb strongly implies a formal or persistent, often written, request. In modern contexts, it often has a negative or legal connotation when referring to approaching people for business, money, or sex. The noun forms ('solicitation', 'solicitor') are more common in specific domains (law, business).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'solicit' is less common in everyday speech and more associated with formal/professional contexts. 'Solicitor' is a specific legal profession (lawyer) in the UK. In American English, 'solicit' is more commonly used in business and legal contexts, and the negative connotation of 'soliciting' (e.g., for prostitution) is more immediately recognized.
Connotations
Both: Can carry a negative connotation of unwanted persistent requests. UK: Strongly associated with the legal profession via 'solicitor'. US: Strongly associated with sales ('soliciting donations/business') and illegal activities ('soliciting a minor').
Frequency
More frequent in American English, particularly in business and legal journalism.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
solicit + noun (object)solicit + noun + from + person/organisationsolicit + for + noun (purpose)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Solicit favours (often with negative implication)”
- “To solicit (for) prostitution (legal phrase)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The firm will solicit bids from three contractors for the new project.
Academic
The researcher solicited participants for the study through university mailing lists.
Everyday
Charity workers are soliciting donations on the high street. (Note: Often perceived negatively in everyday contexts)
Technical
The network node solicits router advertisements using a specific protocol. (IT)
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The charity is soliciting legacy donations from its supporters.
- It is illegal to solicit on the railway premises.
American English
- The campaign is actively soliciting funds from small donors.
- He was arrested for soliciting an undercover officer.
adverb
British English
- N/A - No standard adverb form.
American English
- N/A - No standard adverb form.
adjective
British English
- N/A - The adjective is 'solicitous', which has a different meaning.
American English
- N/A - The adjective is 'solicitous', which has a different meaning.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The club is soliciting new members.
- They stood outside the station soliciting money for charity.
- The committee decided to solicit expert opinions before making a final decision.
- Companies often solicit feedback from their customers to improve services.
- The prosecutor argued that the defendant had solicited confidential information from a foreign agent.
- The journal is currently soliciting submissions for its special edition on climate policy.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SOLICITOR (a lawyer) who formally ASKS for information or payments on behalf of a client.
Conceptual Metaphor
REQUEST IS A FORMAL PETITION (often involving documents or official channels).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'солиситор' (a UK-specific lawyer). The Russian verb 'просить' is much broader and more neutral. 'Solicit' is best translated as 'запрашивать (официально)', 'собирать' (e.g., donations), or 'выпрашивать' (negative).
Common Mistakes
- Using it for simple, informal asks (e.g., 'I solicited my friend for a pen' – too strong).
- Confusing 'solicit' (verb) with 'solicitous' (adjective, meaning showing care or concern).
- Incorrect preposition: 'solicit to someone' instead of 'solicit something from someone'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the use of 'solicit' MOST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is neutral in formal/business contexts (solicit bids, solicit feedback). However, it often carries a negative connotation in everyday use, implying persistent or unwanted requests (soliciting donations on the street) and is strongly negative in legal contexts (soliciting for prostitution).
'Solicit' is more formal, persistent, and often involves a structured process or written appeal. 'Request' is polite and formal. 'Ask for' is general and neutral. You 'ask for' directions, 'request' permission, and 'solicit' donations or proposals.
Rarely. It is almost always a transitive verb requiring a direct object (what is being asked for). The intransitive use is limited to specific phrases like 'soliciting for prostitution'.
It is related etymologically but has a distinct meaning. 'Solicitous' is an adjective meaning showing care, concern, or anxious attention (e.g., 'She was solicitous of his welfare'). Do not confuse it with the verb 'solicit'.