Elicitation: Definition, Usage & Examples

Meaning 1：drawing out information (elicitation)

elicitation 🔊

/ɪˌlɪsɪˈteɪʃn/

the process of getting information or a response by asking questions or using other gentle methods.

Elicitation concept illustrated by a journalist interviewing someone in a cafe to draw out information.

drawing out information 🔊

➕

/ˈdrɔːɪŋ aʊt ˌɪnfərˈmeɪʃn/

The act of obtaining information or responses through questioning or subtle methods.

📁 Category：School Education 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'ēlicitāre' (to draw out), from e- (out) + licitare (to entice).

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'e-licit' as enticing out information, like a key unlocking thoughts.

📖 Example

The teacher's skilled elicitation of ideas from the shy student helped the whole class understand the story better. 🔊 The teacher's effective drawing out of ideas from a shy student benefited the entire class.

🔗 Collocations

elicitation technique – a method for drawing out information

data elicitation – the process of gathering data through questioning

skillful elicitation – effective drawing out of responses

🔄 Synonyms

extraction (n.) – the act of obtaining something, especially information

evocation (n.) – the act of bringing a feeling or memory to mind

provocation (n.) – the act of stimulating a reaction

🚫 Antonyms

suppression (n.) – the act of preventing information or responses from being expressed

concealment (n.) – the action of hiding information

🌱 Derivatives

elicit (v.) – to draw out a response or information

elicitive (adj.) – related to elicitation

📖 Cultural Story

Originates from Latin 'ēlicitāre,' meaning 'to draw out.' Now commonly used in psychology, teaching, and interviews for gentle information extraction.