Solicit

To solicit means to ask for or try to obtain something from someone. This can involve requesting money, support, information, or other assistance. It implies a deliberate effort to persuade or encourage another person or entity to provide something, often with the implication of a reward or benefit for the solicitor. The act can range from informal requests to more formal appeals or campaigns. It may involve actively reaching out or making a proposition to a specific individual or to a wider audience.

Solicit meaning with examples

• The charity launched a fundraising campaign to solicit donations for disaster relief. They sent out mailers, organized events, and used social media to encourage people to contribute, hoping to reach their target goal of $1 million. Their persistent efforts ultimately yielded a significant increase in donations, surpassing their initial expectations.
• The company began to solicit applications for the newly created position of software engineer. They advertised the job online and at career fairs to attract qualified candidates. Many applicants responded and an extended recruitment process began, including interviews and technical tests, to find the best fit.
• The politician was accused of trying to solicit votes from certain segments of the population by making promises that many considered to be unrealistic. These attempts to persuade them to vote for him were controversial, generating criticism from many and sparking a heated public debate.
• During the trial, the defense tried to solicit information from witnesses in order to prove the defendant's innocence. Lawyers used creative methods to expose alternative theories, hoping to weaken the prosecution's case. Their objective was to uncover any evidence that might help the accused avoid conviction.
• Many small business owners solicit feedback from customers in an effort to better understand their needs and improve their products. Using online surveys and in-store questionnaires, they gathered information on customer satisfaction to adapt their products, improve services, and improve customer relationships.