Evocative: meaning, definitions and examples

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evocative

[ɪˈvɒkətɪv ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

artistic expression

Evocative describes something that brings strong images, memories, or feelings to mind. It often refers to works of art or music that stir emotions and provoke a response from the audience.

Synonyms

emotive, expressive, poignant, suggestive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
evocative	Used when something brings strong images, memories, or feelings to mind. It's about calling forth emotions or memories vividly. The photograph was evocative of her childhood. The writer's descriptions were so evocative, you could almost feel the wind.
suggestive	Used when something indirectly suggests or implies something else, often subtly. It can be slightly negative or have connotations of innuendo. Their conversation was full of suggestive remarks. The painting was suggestive of hidden meanings.
emotive	Used to describe something that elicits strong emotions, but not necessarily specific memories. It is often used to describe language, music, or art that is intended to stir emotions. His speech was full of emotive language. The movie's emotive scenes left the audience in tears.
expressive	Used when something effectively conveys thoughts, feelings, or ideas. It's often used to describe people's faces, gestures, or artistic work. Her eyes were very expressive, revealing her joy. The painting was highly expressive of the artist's inner turmoil.
poignant	Used for something that deeply affects emotions, often in a moving or saddening way. It highlights the sharpness or intensity of an emotional experience. The movie's ending was particularly poignant. Her poignant story brought tears to his eyes.

Examples of usage

The painting was so evocative, it brought me to tears.
The evocative melody of the song reminded me of my childhood.
His evocative storytelling transported us to another time and place.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

memory

Evocative can also be used to describe something that triggers memories or associations with the past.

Synonyms

nostalgic, remindful, reminiscent.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
evocative	This word is used when something brings strong images, feelings, or memories to mind, often in a vivid and powerful way. The evocative music brought back memories of her childhood The painting was particularly evocative of the seaside
remindful	This word is used when something makes you think about or remember something else. It's less common in everyday speech and has a more formal tone. The smell of fresh bread was remindful of her grandmother's kitchen His mannerisms were remindful of his father
reminiscent	Reminiscent is used when something suggests or resembles something else, often evoking memories or thoughts about it. Her voice was reminiscent of Billie Holiday The design of the new car is reminiscent of classic cars from the 1950s
nostalgic	Nostalgic is used when someone feels sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past. It often has a bittersweet connotation. She felt nostalgic looking at old photographs The old songs made him nostalgic for his teenage years

Examples of usage

The smell of fresh bread is so evocative of my grandmother's kitchen.
The old photograph was evocative of happier times.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word has roots in the Latin term 'evocare', meaning 'to call out or summon'.
It entered the English language in the early 19th century, reflecting a growing interest in emotions and memory.
In literature, the term began to be used more frequently as writers sought to create impactful narratives.

Art & Literature

Many poets use evocative language to create imagery that stirs the reader's emotions.
Famous works like 'The Great Gatsby' are considered evocative because they vividly capture the atmosphere of the Jazz Age.
Visual artists often create evocative pieces that tell a story or trigger a deep emotional response, allowing viewers to interpret them personally.

Psychology

Research shows that evocative triggers, such as specific scents or sounds, can bring back vivid memories called 'flashbulb memories'.
Evocative experiences can enhance emotional learning, helping individuals to better understand their own feelings.
In therapy, evocative imagery can be used to help individuals process trauma by bringing hidden emotions to the surface.

Film & Media

Cinematographers use evocative visuals and music to elicit emotions from the audience in films and television.
Soundtracks often contain evocative melodies that trigger nostalgia and connection to particular scenes.
Directors utilize techniques like lighting and framing to make scenes more evocative, deepening the viewer's engagement.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, storytelling is seen as a powerful, evocative tool for passing down traditions and lessons.
Music is often an evocative form of art, with specific songs linked to personal memories or cultural moments.
Certain cultural festivals use evocative imagery and symbols to celebrate heritage and collective identity, engaging participants emotionally.

Translations

Translations of the word "evocative" in other languages:

🇵🇹 evocativo

🇮🇳 उद्बोधक

🇩🇪 evokativ

🇮🇩 menggugah

🇺🇦 евокативний

🇵🇱 ewokatywny

🇯🇵 喚起する

🇫🇷 évocateur

🇪🇸 evocador

🇹🇷 anımsatıcı

🇰🇷 환기하는

🇸🇦 مثير للذكريات

🇨🇿 evokativní

🇸🇰 evokatívny

🇨🇳 唤起

🇸🇮 evokativen

🇮🇸 ákallandi

🇰🇿 есте сақтаушы

🇬🇪 გამოძახებითი

🇦🇿 xatırladıcı

🇲🇽 evocador

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,888, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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19885 overalls
19886 replenishment
19887 disintegrate
19888 evocative
19889 fronted
19890 sloppy
19891 octagonal
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