Which definition best captures the meaning of elicit in a sentence such as 'to elicit a response'?

• A. Movingly or vividly expressive
• B. Evoke or draw out (a response, information, etc.) from someone
• C. Cleverly evasive
• D. To abolish

Answer: (B)

The idea being tested is understanding that elicit means to bring forth a reaction or information from someone. When you elicit a response, you prompt or provoke someone to say or do something. The best definition fits this sense: to evoke or draw out (a response, information, etc.) from someone. This captures how a question, prompt, or situation can cause a person to reveal something or react.

If you think about it in use: a thoughtful question can elicit a detailed answer, or a surprising event can elicit laughter or disbelief. In contrast, movingly or vividly expressive describes the quality of expression itself rather than the act of obtaining a reaction; cleverly evasive describes avoiding giving a direct answer; to abolish means to end something entirely, which isn’t about drawing out a response.