‘Invoke’ vs. ‘Evoke’: When to Use ‘Invoke’ and ‘Evoke’

The meaning of invoke is often mixed up with the definition of evoke, but “invoke” and “evoke” have different meanings, and you should use them in different contexts. However, both words originated from the Latin word “vocare” (“to call”).

“Invoke” is often used in a legal context, as individuals can call upon, or invoke, their rights. “Invoke” also means to ask for help or to cite someone or something as an authority. Common synonyms and related words for invoke include: “summon,” “appeal to,” “conjure,” and “put into effect.”

The word “invoke” directly stems from the Latin root word “invocare.” Continuing to trace the etymology of “invoke,” the French “invoquer” was one of the first derivatives of the Latin root. In the fifteenth century, the term “invoke” appeared in the British English language. As a result, in the modern English language, the definition of “invoke” is a verb that means to call upon or to appeal to. Many other languages, including Portuguese, Spanish, and Italian, also have a similar word that stems from the Latin root.

In modern English, “invoke” has different connotations that allow you to use the term in a number of ways.

1. 1. To petition or appeal for help: To request or call upon help is one of the earliest uses of “invoke.” In times of trouble, individuals would invoke the help of someone through a formal request. Today, you can still use “invoke” to petition or appeal for help in a court of law. Example sentence: “After reviewing the ancient law in search of a solution, the kingdom decided to invoke the help of its allies.”
2. 2. To call upon rights: You can also use “invoke” to enforce your rights and privileges as a citizen. One of the most common uses of “invoke” in a court of law is when a defendant invokes their Fifth Amendment right to remain silent. Example sentence: “Since the defendant’s lawyer was not present, she invoked her right to remain silent.”
3. 3. To cite a higher authority: When you cite or call upon a person of authority, you can use “invoke.” Once again, the word is often used in court as lawyers invoke, or summon, experts to testify. However, this meaning of “invoke” also works outside of a legal context. Example sentence: “A reporter invoked quotes from both scientists and farmers for an article on agriculture.”
4. 4. To call upon through incantation: In a religious context, “invoke” can mean to communicate with higher powers during a prayer or mantra. Example sentence: “The farmers invoked the god of rain to end the drought.”

“Evoke” relates to the notion “to call,” however, the verb “evoke” means “to call forth.” The subtle difference between “invoke” and “evoke” is significant when you’re writing. The Latin root word for “evoke” is “evocare.” Many of the romance languages have terms similar to the Latin root. For example, the Spanish term evocar and the French évoquer both translate to “evoke.”

“Evoke” is often used in the context of emotions, memories, and sensory experiences. Therefore, evocation is the act of recalling powerful emotions, memories, or mental images to the conscious mind. Common synonyms and related words for evoke include: “recall,” “elicit,” “induce,” and “bring forth.”

In creative writing, you can evoke emotions and memories to generate a visceral reaction in the reader. To evoke strong images and feelings in your writing, be precise in your word choice and detailed in your descriptions.

Understanding the meaning of evoke and properly using it can enhance your writing.

1. 1. To call upon a memory: Details, such as a smell, sound, image, touch, or sight, can trigger a memory. You can use the term “evoke” to bring back and describe those memories. Example sentence: “Returning to the old boathouse evoked memories of sailing with her grandfather, inspiring her to write a new story for her blog.”
2. 2. To call upon a sensation: If your writing style is more abstract, consider evoking your sensory experiences rather than simply stating them. For poetry especially, you can evoke a certain feeling by describing your physical or mental reaction to a situation. Example sentence: “She brushed aside everything she knew about grammar and focused on evoking her unbridled determination.”
3. 3. To embody: “Evoke” can also mean embodying a style or spirit. Musicians may think of their muses to evoke a certain sound in the same way a chef may try to evoke the cooking style of an admired predecessor. Example sentence: “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.’”

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