Definition of solicit

The word "solicit" originated in the medieval Latin language, specifically in the form "sollicitare." This term represented a combination of two Latin words - "sollus," which meant "whole" or "entire," and "licitus," which meant "lawful." The initial meaning of "sollicitare" reflected this etymology, since it signified the act of "engaging someone entirely or legitimately." In medieval Latin, this usage often referred to the efforts of a church official, such as a confessor or a bishop, to persuade a person - perhaps through repeated questioning or advice - to embrace a religious vocation or a particular behavior considered wholesome and lawful by the Church. These ideas continued to shape the usage of "solicit" in early English, where the word first appeared in the 1300s. At this time, it still conveyed the concept of urging or persuading someone to do something that was desirable or commendable, such as pray or perform an act of charity. By the 1400s, "solicit" was gradually being used in a more general sense, implying an overt demand, request, or appeal for some advantage, be it material, financial, or emotional in nature. Today, the meaning of "solicit" has evolved further, encapsulating a broader range of acts, from a simple request for assistance to more intricate legal or commercial strategies aimed at securing a profit or a contract. The root meaning of the word, however, has not substantially altered since its inception in medieval Latin – and it continues to evoke the shades of sympathy, persuasion, and legitimacy that initially sparked its creation.