Elicits

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

  1. To bring forth a response or reaction from someone | To draw out a particular feeling or emotion in an individual | To obtain information, often in a way that reveals hidden thoughts or opinions
  2. To invoke a response or emotion from a person | To extract specific feelings or reactions from an individual | To derive information that may uncover concealed thoughts or sentiments
  3. To provoke a reaction or response from another individual

Etymology: The term "elicits" is derived from the Latin verb "elicere," which means "to draw out" or "to bring forth." This Latin root is composed of the prefix "e-" (from "ex-"), meaning "out," and the verb "licere," which translates to "to permit" or "to allow." The combination of these elements conveys the sense of drawing something out from a source, suggesting an active process of extraction or revelation. By the time it transitioned into English, the word had adapted through Old French, where it appeared as "eliciter," retaining the core meaning of drawing forth or evoking a response. It entered English usage in the mid-17th century, around the 1650s, during a period of significant borrowing from both Latin and French, particularly in the fields of science and philosophy. In English, this term evolved to encompass a range of meanings associated with evoking responses, emotions, or reactions. The verb takes on a more abstract connotation as it is used in various contexts, from psychology, where it might refer to eliciting feelings or memories, to legal language, where it can describe drawing out testimony or information during questioning. The evolution of "elicits" reflects a broader trend in the English language where words initially grounded in physical actions develop metaphorical applications. Thus, while the original Latin context may suggest a tangible process of drawing out, modern usage often involves more intangible concepts, such as eliciting thoughts or feelings from individuals. Overall, "elicits" stands as a testament to the dynamic evolution of language, illustrating how terms can shift from concrete origins to abstract applications while retaining their core essence of extraction or evocation.

Synonyms: evokes, draws out, brings forth, procures, extracts

Antonyms: suppress, repress, stifle, quash, dissuade