elicit

/ɪˈlɪsɪt/verb

To draw out a reaction, answer, or feeling from someone.

Example sentences

“The comedian's opening joke elicited only a few polite laughs.”
“The teacher's question elicited a lively debate among the students.”

Not to be confused with 'illicit', meaning illegal. You elicit responses, information, laughter: the verb needs an audience to draw from.

Synonyms for elicit

Often confused with elicit

elicit vs illicit: illicit (adjective): Not allowed by law, or not accepted by the rules of society.

Find it in: Advanced English words.

Related words

eludeTo cleverly avoid or slip away from a person or thing trying to catch you.emanateTo flow or spread out from a particular source.egregiousStanding out as remarkably bad; shockingly obvious in a negative way.effusiveExpressing feelings, especially praise or gratitude, in an overflowing and unrestrained way.embellishTo add decoration to something to make it prettier, or to add extra details to a story.efficaciousAble to produce the intended result; working well.