The commonly confused words “evoke” and “invoke” come from the same Latin root vocare, meaning “to call”. Although these two words aren’t quite homophones or homonyms, their similar sounds could still lead to some misunderstandings. Then what precisely separates evoke from invoke? This post covers the difference between invoke and evoke. You can learn the proper usage of evoke and invoke by reading this article.

What Does Evoke Mean?

“The verb “evoke” means “to call forth,” despite the fact that the word “evoke” refers to the idea of “to call.” When you’re writing, it’s important to understand the distinction between “evoke” and “invoke.”

Evocare is the word’s Latin root, which means “to evoke.” Romance languages have many words that share a Latin root. The words evocar (in Spanish) and évoquer (in French) both mean “to evoke,” for instance.”

“The verb “evoke” is frequently used in reference to feelings, recollections, and sensory perceptions. The act of bringing intense feelings, memories, or mental images back to the conscious mind is therefore known as evocation.

Synonyms and words that are similar to the word “evoke” include: “recall,” “elicit,” “induce,” and “bring forth.”

In order to elicit a visceral response from the reader, you can evoke emotions and memories in creative writing.

Use precise word choice and thorough descriptions in your writing to arouse powerful images and feelings.

What Does Invoke Mean?

“The word “invoke” is frequently used in legal contexts because people can use their legal rights. “As well as referring to someone or something as an authority, invoke can also mean to request assistance.

Invoke’s common antonyms and related terms include: “summon,” “appeal to,” “conjure,” and “put into effect.”

The Latin word “invocare” is the direct source of the English word “invoke.” The French word “invoquer” was one of the first derivatives of the Latin root, continuing the etymology of “invoke.”

The word “invoke” first appeared in the British English language in the fifteenth century. As a result, the verb “invoke” has come to mean “call upon” or “appeal to” in the modern English language.

The Latin root gives rise to words with similar meanings in numerous other languages, including Portuguese, Spanish, and Italian.

How To Use Evoke And Invoke Correctly?

How To Use “Evoke”?

To Call Upon A Memory

Memory can be triggered by specifics like smell, sound, image, touch, or sight. To recall and describe those memories, use the word “evoke” instead.

Example: Returning to the old boathouse evoked memories of sailing with her grandfather, inspiring her to write a new story for her blog.

To Call Upon A Sensation

Instead of simply stating your sensory experiences if your writing is more abstract, think about evoking them. Particularly in poetry, describing your physical or psychological response to a circumstance can elicit a particular feeling.

Example: She ignored every piece of grammar advice she had and concentrated on evoking her unbridled determination.

To Embody

Embodying a style or spirit is another definition of the word “evoke.” Just as a chef might attempt to evoke the cooking style of a respected predecessor, musicians may consider their muses to conjure up a specific sound.

Example: As the young artist sat down to paint, he tried to evoke the spirit of Van Gogh to create a landscape reminiscent of ‘Starry Night.’

How To Use Invoke?

To Petition Or Appeal For Help

One of the first uses of “invoke” was to ask for or summon assistance.” People would formally request assistance from someone in times of need. To petition or appeal for assistance in a court of law, you can still use the word “invoke” today.

Example: After reviewing the ancient law in search of a solution, the kingdom decided to invoke the help of its allies.

To Call Upon Rights

To enforce your citizenship rights and privileges, you can also use the word “invoke.” A defendant’s use of the Fifth Amendment right to remain silent is one of the most frequent instances of the word “invoke” in a court of law.

Example: Since the defendant’s lawyer was not present, she invoked her right to remain silent.

To Cite A Higher Authority

You can use “invoke” to refer to or summon a powerful person.” Once more, the term is frequently used in court as attorneys call or summon witnesses. But even outside of a legal context, this definition of “invoke” is valid.

Example: A reporter invoked quotes from both scientists and farmers for an article on agriculture.

To Call Upon Through Incantation

To “invoke” something in a religious context refers to making contact with spiritual beings through a mantra or prayer. 

Example: The farmers invoked the god of rain to end the drought.

Examples Of Evoke And Invoke

Here are a few instances of the words “evoke” and “invoke,” illustrating how they differ in meaning depending on the situation.

• The taste of baked apples and the smell of a bonfire evoke the pleasures of autumn.
• From “Once and Always a New Yorker”: “Returning to a place where childhoods happened, first jobs were held and mates were met can evoke strong sentiments about the passing of time and life choices.”
• From “Utopia of Usurers and Other Essays”: “Never invoke the gods unless you really want them to appear. They are very irritated by it.”
• All Dad had to do to get us to stop fighting was to invoke the name of Santa Claus serves as a reminder of his vigilance.

How Can You Recall The Difference Between Evoke And Invoke?

A quick memory trick will help you recall the difference between invoke vs. evoke. Remember that evoke starts with the letter “e,” which refers to the context of emotions. When a memory brings up an emotion in you, it has caused an internal response or feeling.

Invoke Synonyms

• Cite.
• Refer to.
• Turn to.
• Call into use.
• Use.
• Put into effect.
• Summon.
• Bring forth.

Evoke Synonyms

• Call up.
• Elicit.
• Stimulate.
• Induce.
• Raise.
• Express.
• Bring to mind.
• Conjure up.

Summary

Evoke, which refers to feelings and memories, is defined as calling forth or drawing something to mind. It starts with an “E” and is Effortless because it is less purposefully active.

The verb invoke can mean to call on something, to appeal to something, or to call for something. All of these involve an active “doer,” who Intentionally does them.

You can therefore invoke God or a school rule, but not love or adolescent memories.