Meaning & use
to draw forth
Last updated
Meanings
phrasetransitiveliteraryformal
to cause a feeling, reaction, or response to appear from someone.
Grammar: Takes an object: draw forth a response. The object usually comes after 'forth'.
Patterns
- draw forth something from someone
- draw something forth
Her gentle questions drew forth a surprising story from the shy student.
The speech drew forth loud applause from the crowd.
A single kind word can draw forth a smile from a tired child.
phrasetransitiveliteraryold-fashioned
to pull something out from a place, especially slowly or carefully.
Grammar: Takes an object; 'from' introduces the source: draw a coin forth from a pocket.
Patterns
- draw forth something from something
- draw something forth
He drew forth an old letter from the inside of his coat.
She drew a small key forth from the drawer and held it up.
Word forms
| third person singular | draws forth |
|---|---|
| past tense | drew forth |
| past participle | drawn forth |
| -ing form | drawing forth |
Common combinations
- draw forth a response
- The announcement drew forth a quick response from the union.
- draw forth applause
- Her final song drew forth warm applause.
- draw forth a confession
- Patient questioning finally drew forth a confession.
- draw forth memories
- The old photograph drew forth memories of his childhood.
Synonyms and how they differ
- elicit
- More formal and common in writing; it fits better than 'draw forth' in academic or official contexts.
- evoke
- Focuses on bringing a feeling or memory to mind, while 'draw forth' suggests a more active pulling out from someone.
- extract
- Suggests getting something with effort or force, often information; 'draw forth' is gentler and more literary.
Opposites
Word family
- draw verb
- the base verb, meaning to pull or move something toward you
Commonly confused: to draw forth or draw up?
to draw forth vs draw up
'Draw up' means to prepare a document or to arrive and stop. 'Draw forth' means to bring something out.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'draw forth' most naturally?
Choose one answer.
'Draw forth' means to bring out a reaction such as discussion. 'Draw up' means to prepare a document, 'draw on' means to use something as a resource, and 'draw in' means to attract or involve someone.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “to draw forth”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.