What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Interpret vs Elicit - What's the difference?

interpret | elicit |

As verbs the difference between interpret and elicit

is that interpret is to explain or tell the meaning of; to expound; to translate orally into intelligible or familiar language or terms; to decipher; to define; -- applied especially to language, but also to dreams, signs, conduct, mysteries, etc.; as, to interpret the Hebrew language to an Englishman; to interpret an Indian speech while elicit is to evoke, educe (emotions, feelings, responses, etc.); to generate, obtain, or provoke as a response or answer.

As an adjective elicit is

elicited; drawn out; made real; open; evident.

interpret

English

Verb

(en verb)
  • To explain or tell the meaning of; to expound; to translate orally into intelligible or familiar language or terms; to decipher; to define; -- applied especially to language, but also to dreams, signs, conduct, mysteries, etc.; as, to interpret the Hebrew language to an Englishman; to interpret an Indian speech.
  • * The Holy Bible, (w) i. 23.
    • Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
  • * The Holy Bible, (w) xli. 8.
    • And Pharaoh told them his dreams; but there was none that could interpret them unto Pharaoh.
  • * {{quote-magazine, date=2013-07-26, author=(Leo Hickman)
    • , volume=189, issue=7, page=26, magazine=(The Guardian Weekly) , title= How algorithms rule the world , passage=The use of algorithms in policing is one example of their increasing influence on our lives.
  • To apprehend and represent by means of art; to show by illustrative representation; as, an actor interprets the character of Hamlet; a musician interprets a sonata; an artist interprets a landscape.
  • To act as an interpreter.

    • Synonyms

    * translate, explain, solve, render, expound, elucidate, decipher, unfold, unravel

    Related terms

    * interpretation * interpretative * interpreter * interpretive

    References

    * * ----

    elicit

    English

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To evoke, educe (emotions, feelings, responses, etc.); to generate, obtain, or provoke as a response or answer.
  • To draw out, bring out, bring forth (something latent); to obtain information from someone or something.
    • Fred wished to elicit the time of the meeting from Jane.
    ''Did you elicit a response?
  • To use logic to arrive at truth; to derive by reason; deduce; construe.

    • See also

    * illicit

    Adjective

    (-)
  • (obsolete) Elicited; drawn out; made real; open; evident.
  • * Jeremy Taylor
    • An elicit act of equity.
    ----