soliciting: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, Legal, Business
Quick answer
What does “soliciting” mean?
Asking for or trying to obtain something from someone, typically in a formal or persistent manner.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Asking for or trying to obtain something from someone, typically in a formal or persistent manner.
Often refers to the act of asking for business, donations, votes, or sexual favours, particularly in a persistent, insistent, or legally regulated context.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The legal term 'solicitor' (UK lawyer) is etymologically related but distinct in modern usage. The verb form and its participle are used similarly, though the illegal sense of 'soliciting' is more frequently a standalone noun in US legal contexts (e.g., 'arrested for soliciting').
Connotations
Similar negative connotation for illegal activities in both varieties. In business, slightly more formal in UK English.
Frequency
More common in American English in the context of sales and business development ('soliciting clients'). The 'No Soliciting' sign is a standard American usage.
Grammar
How to Use “soliciting” in a Sentence
solicit something (from somebody)solicit somebody for somethingsolicit (for) somethingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “soliciting” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The MP was accused of soliciting donations in a manner that breached the code.
- Charities are actively soliciting for the disaster relief fund.
American English
- The company is strictly prohibited from soliciting clients on these premises.
- She spent the afternoon soliciting feedback on the new design.
adjective
British English
- He was charged under the Soliciting Offences Act.
- They received a soliciting letter from a known fraudster.
American English
- The 'No Soliciting' ordinance was strictly enforced in the neighbourhood.
- He used soliciting behaviour to attract investors.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Actively seeking new clients or investment.
Academic
Seeking participants for a research study or gathering expert opinions.
Everyday
Asking for donations for a charity or community project.
Technical
The illegal act of offering to pay for sexual services (legal term).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “soliciting”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “soliciting”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “soliciting”
- Confusing 'soliciting' with 'eliciting' (to draw out a response).
- Using it intransitively without a clear implied object (e.g., 'He was just soliciting.' is vague).
- Misspelling as 'solicitting' (double 't').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is neutral and common in formal business and charity contexts (e.g., soliciting feedback, donations). The negativity comes from specific contexts like illegal activities.
They can be synonyms in political contexts ('soliciting/canvassing votes'). 'Canvassing' often implies a systematic survey of opinions door-to-door, while 'soliciting' has a broader application to asking for anything (money, business, sex).
Yes, particularly in legal jargon. For example, 'He was arrested for soliciting.' Here, it is a gerund acting as a noun, with the illegal object (e.g., sex) implied by context.
Yes, etymologically. A 'solicitor' was originally one who 'solicits' or conducts business on behalf of another in a court of law. The modern professions have diverged, but the root of 'asking/urging' remains.
Asking for or trying to obtain something from someone, typically in a formal or persistent manner.
Soliciting is usually formal, legal, business in register.
Soliciting: in British English it is pronounced /səˈlɪsɪtɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /səˈlɪsɪtɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “on the solicit (archaic/rare)”
- “solicit for custom”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a SOLICITOR (a type of lawyer) who is also SOLICITING new cases – both involve formally asking for something (legal services / business).
Conceptual Metaphor
OBTAINING IS ASKING (A purposeful, directed action to acquire).
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following contexts does 'soliciting' MOST LIKELY have a negative, illegal connotation?