Detailed Article for the Word “Solicit”
What is Solicit: Introduction
Imagine knocking on doors, asking for help, or sending a letter to a friend seeking advice—these are all forms of “soliciting.” The word “solicit” embodies the act of seeking or requesting something, often with purpose and persistence. Whether in the form of a charity appeal, a call for feedback, or even a job application, soliciting connects people, ideas, and resources. In today’s interconnected world, the concept of solicitation has grown more significant, helping individuals and organizations find support, feedback, and opportunity in an often overwhelming landscape.
Origin and History of the Word Solicit
The word “solicit” originates from the Latin “sollicitare,” meaning “to disturb, rouse, or entreat.” It made its way into Middle English through Old French as “soliciter,” initially meaning to move or agitate, but it soon took on the sense of requesting or earnestly seeking something. In the 15th century, “solicit” began to appear in legal and formal language, referring to petitions, appeals, or pleas for assistance. As its usage expanded, “solicit” came to include both formal and informal requests, as well as appeals for business, guidance, or support.
Meaning and Definition of Solicit
Solicit (verb):
- To ask for or seek something earnestly or persistently, often formally
- To request or try to obtain something from someone
- (Legal context) To seek financial or moral support, particularly for a cause or purpose
- (Business context) To ask for business or patronage
Usage note: “Solicit” can imply persistence or urgency, especially in legal or business contexts.
How to Pronounce Solicit
suh-LIS-it
How to Remember Solicit: Memory Tips
Think of “solicit” as “so, list it”—as in, list out what you need or want from someone. Or imagine a “solicitor” knocking on your door, actively seeking your attention or request. Another way to remember it is by linking “solicit” with “ask with intent,” emphasizing the idea of seeking something purposefully or formally.
Solicit in a Sentence: Examples and Usage
- Business: The company solicited bids from various contractors to ensure competitive pricing.
- Legal: The attorney was accused of soliciting bribes to influence the case outcome.
- Everyday: She solicited feedback from her friends before finalizing her project.
- Charitable: During the holidays, many organizations solicit donations for the less fortunate.
- Professional: The author solicited reviews from peers before publishing her book.
- Political: Campaigns often solicit support through door-to-door canvassing and online outreach.
- Digital: Online surveys are a common way to solicit opinions from a wide audience.
Difficulty Level of Using Solicit
Intermediate:
- Commonly used in formal, legal, and business contexts
- Can imply persistence or formality in the request
- Appropriate usage may require understanding context and tone
Modern Usage of Solicit in Contemporary Context
In contemporary contexts, “solicit” is widely used in legal, business, and digital communication to describe a formal request or outreach. In business, companies solicit clients and contracts through advertisements or direct engagement. In the digital world, websites often solicit feedback or support through surveys, while social media influencers may solicit follower engagement through comments and shares. Politicians frequently solicit public support through campaign events, speeches, and social media posts. Additionally, “solicitation” has legal connotations, particularly in the context of financial appeals, fundraising, and lobbying. The term also appears in discussions about ethical boundaries in sales and advocacy, as “solicitation” may sometimes imply overreach or unwanted intrusion. As technology evolves, so does the nature of solicitation, influencing how people request support, information, and collaboration across both personal and professional spheres.
